The high-voltage finale week of Bigg Boss 19 began with an intense press conference on Monday, December 2, 2025, where contestants faced a barrage of tough questions from the media. Among them, actor Gaurav Khanna, famed for his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, found himself at the centre of a deeply personal and emotional moment when questioned about his desire to have children, a topic on which he and his wife, Akanksha Chamola, hold differing views.
An Emotional Defence of Personal Choice
When a reporter probed him about his wish to start a family versus Akanksha's publicly stated decision not to have children, Gaurav became visibly emotional. With tears in his eyes, the actor delivered a heartfelt defence of his wife and their relationship. "It's a very touchy topic," Gaurav stated, addressing the sensitive nature of the question. He emphasized his profound respect for Akanksha, saying, "I love my wife; there are very few husbands who don't listen to what their heart says and agree to what their wives want. I love her a lot, so I will listen to everything my wife says."
He clarified that while he personally desires a child, his wife's readiness is paramount. "I respect my wife and will listen to her even though I want to have a child but she is not ready," he affirmed, painting a picture of a marriage built on mutual understanding and respect for personal autonomy.
Addressing the 'Safe Game' Allegations
The press conference wasn't solely about personal life. Gaurav also faced professional criticism, with some media members suggesting he was carrying his gentle, on-screen persona from Anupamaa into the Bigg Boss house, thereby playing a calculated and safe game. Gaurav Khanna addressed these accusations head-on.
"It's not necessary that I have to carry a character's image with me on this show; I have a way to react to things," he explained. He described his strategy as analytical, choosing his battles wisely. "I analyse if I need to answer someone for my game; if not, then the conversation doesn't matter to me." He also pointed to his two-decade-long experience in the Mumbai entertainment industry as a foundation for his composed demeanour.
He further defended his gameplay by referencing past winners. "No Bigg Boss winner has ever created or gotten involved in unnecessary arguments. It's not necessary to use abusive language; previous winners haven't done that," he argued. Gaurav expressed his hope that a potential victory for him would inspire viewers, proving that one can win the controversial reality show "without verbally abusing or taking a wrong stand."
Validation from Host Salman Khan
Gaurav Khanna's composed strategy has found a notable supporter in none other than the show's host, Salman Khan. During the recent Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman publicly lauded Gaurav's game. In a significant endorsement, Salman Khan even stated that he would work with Gaurav in the future. The host also remarked, 'Hats off to this guy, if he has been acting all this while,' a comment Gaurav referenced to counter claims that his behaviour is a prolonged act, noting that no actor can perform 24/7.
The press meet also saw Gaurav getting emotional again when another reporter insinuated he was using the topic of wanting a child to gain sympathy. Co-contestant Amaal condemned the question as inappropriate. In another poignant moment, Gaurav compared his 20-year journey in the industry to his three-month stint in the Bigg Boss house, delivering an emotional speech on the challenges of the latter.
As Bigg Boss 19 heads towards its grand finale, Gaurav Khanna has positioned himself not just as a contender for the trophy, but as a figure sparking conversations about marital respect, personal choice, and alternative strategies to succeed in one of India's most-watched reality shows.
