In a candid and revealing conversation, television star Gaurav Khanna has finally addressed the swirling controversies and online trolling that followed his recent victory in the reality TV juggernaut, Bigg Boss 19. The actor, who lifted the trophy earlier this month, spoke exclusively about the accusations of being a 'Colors TV face' and clarified his motivations for joining the Salman Khan-hosted show.
Winning From a Position of Strength, Not Need
Khanna firmly dismissed the narrative that contestants join Bigg Boss to revive fading careers. He stated that his entry was driven by curiosity and self-discovery, not a need for popularity. 'I came on Bigg Boss when I was doing pretty well in my career,' he asserted. The actor highlighted that he had just won another reality show, Celebrity Masterchef, and had spent years playing a lead role in the hit TV series Anupamaa.
'For me, the show was a learning curve,' Khanna explained. 'I wanted to discover myself and see how I fared in a reality show space, after doing daily soaps for 20 years.' He emphasized that his goal was never to compete with or impress his fellow housemates, but to focus on personal growth amidst the predictable chaos of the Bigg Boss house.
Addressing the 'Colors Face' Allegations Head-On
One of the most persistent criticisms from fellow contestants and sections of the audience was that Khanna won due to his association with Colors TV, the channel that broadcasts both Bigg Boss and his former show Anupamaa. The actor provided a factual rebuttal to these claims.
'My last show on Colors TV was Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam with Yami Gautam, which was in 2010,' he clarified. 'So in 2025, if people still think I am Colors' face despite doing one show with them 15 years back, I must be really great then.' He acknowledged his 20-year body of work but stressed that victory required more than just pedigree. 'There are no free lunches; I won't just win a show because of my pedigree or body of work, I also have to do well in it.'
A Different Game Plan: Quiet Confidence Over Loud Drama
Khanna's gameplay stood out for its lack of the usual shouting matches and contrived controversies. He attributed this to his position in life and career. 'By God's grace I was at the top of my career when I was on the show, so I didn't want to do things for the camera,' he said. He found it pointless to engage in abuse or petty fights, a strategy that apparently didn't sit well with some.
However, he pointed to the results as vindication. 'I won the season, it was the most watched one, the finale TRPs beat my earlier show, Anupamaa,' he stated, adding that playing intelligently was his mantra from day one.
On Paid PR, Trolling, and Future Aspirations
The actor also touched upon the ugly side of fame, including paid negative PR and vicious online trolling, especially after his win. He displayed a philosophical outlook, viewing even trolling as a sign of relevance. 'I don't have a problem being trolled because even then, they are thinking about me, which means I am important to them.' However, he condemned the crossing of lines into family abuse.
Looking ahead, the Bigg Boss 19 winner has launched his YouTube channel and is eyeing a transition to OTT platforms and films. 'I want to take the next plunge on OTT or films,' he shared. 'My aspiration is not just to be a part of the industry, but do good stuff. I want to be a bigger fish in a small pond.' His message is clear: the Bigg Boss win is a milestone, not the final destination, in a career built on two decades of hard work.
