Fresh off his triumphant victory in the controversial reality show, actor Gaurav Khanna finds himself navigating a wave of online debate. While many celebrated his win, a section of viewers suggested his existing fame paved an easy path to the trophy. The actor has now broken his silence, offering a firm rebuttal to these assumptions and sharing insights into his journey and future.
Gaurav Khanna Counters 'Popularity Win' Narrative
In a candid conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, Gaurav Khanna directly addressed the chatter questioning the legitimacy of his Bigg Boss 19 win. He firmly dismissed the idea that his celebrity status was a deciding factor. "People say I won because I am famous, but I have really worked hard," he stated, emphasizing that twenty years of relentless effort in the industry is a significant achievement that shouldn't be overlooked.
He specifically countered the claim of being a favored 'Colors face,' pointing out that his last show on the network, Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam alongside Yami Gautam, aired back in 2010. "So, if in 2025 people still think I am a Colors face after doing just one show with them 15 years ago, I must be really great then," he remarked wryly. Khanna stressed that there are "no free lunches" in such competitions, and victory requires on-ground performance, not just pedigree.
The Mindset Behind the Bigg Boss 19 Victory
Delving into his strategy inside the Bigg Boss house, Gaurav revealed that outperforming others was never his primary goal. He entered the high-pressure environment anticipating criticism and becoming a target, but chose to remain authentic and grounded. "I never went there to compete with others. I wanted to become a better person," he shared. His approach underscores a belief that the show ultimately rewards participants who demonstrate clarity, emotional intelligence, and smart gameplay.
From Trophy to Future Projects: What's Next for the Winner?
The grand finale of Bigg Boss 19 was broadcast on December 7, 2025. Gaurav Khanna emerged as the champion, clinching the coveted trophy and a substantial cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. The runner-up position was secured by Farrhana Bhatt, while Pranit More was declared the second runner-up. Tanya Mittal and Amaal Mallik also made it to the prestigious list of finalists.
On the professional front, the actor has exciting developments in the pipeline. In an interview, Khanna expressed his eagerness to collaborate again with renowned producer Rajan Shahi, creator of the hit show Aupamaa. He mentioned that Shahi has promised him a "different" role. Adding to the buzz, Khanna also disclosed that he has received a film offer from none other than superstar Salman Khan, a prospect that has left him thoroughly excited for his cinematic journey ahead.