Gaurav Khanna, a well-known face on Indian television, has entered the Bigg Boss 19 house, marking his first foray into the world of reality television. Known for his roles in hit shows like Anupamaa and his recent appearance on Celebrity MasterChef, Khanna's entry has generated significant buzz among fans. Despite a career spanning two decades, he has intentionally stayed away from non-fiction formats until now, making his participation a surprise to many.
Khanna's decision to join Bigg Boss 19 comes after years of being approached for the show. He felt that now was the right time to take on this challenge, especially after the positive response he received from fans during his stint on Celebrity MasterChef. He stated that his previous reality show was about cooking skills, while Bigg Boss is about building relationships and friendships to survive.
In an exclusive interview before entering the house, Khanna revealed his perspective on potential conflicts. While he aims to avoid unnecessary loud fights, he asserted that he would stand up for what he believes is right. "Just because I am a public figure doesn't mean I will not stand for what's right," he stated. He also acknowledged that everyone is prone to emotional outbursts and should not be judged harshly for it.
Khanna also addressed the rumors surrounding his compensation for participating in Bigg Boss 19, stating that he doesn't believe in hearsay and doesn't judge actors based on their paychecks. He emphasized that he doesn't even know who the other contestants are and that money is not a topic of discussion among them.
When asked about his strategy for the show, Khanna emphasized the importance of being himself. He believes that being genuine is the best approach, as it eliminates the need to lie or pretend. He hopes that people will appreciate seeing the real him. He also acknowledged that he wants Bigg Boss to bring his personality to the forefront.
Khanna's wife, Akanksha Chamola, has been supportive of his decision to enter Bigg Boss 19. She encouraged him to win over people's hearts and pointed out that the show would allow him to be seen for 24 hours a day, unlike his previous roles. Khanna has maintained that fans will see the same passion and competitiveness that he displayed on Celebrity MasterChef.
This season of Bigg Boss has a "digital-first twist," with each episode streaming online before its television broadcast. The theme for this season is "Gharwalon Ki Sarkar," which gives the housemates more power and responsibility, while Bigg Boss will primarily intervene to stir things up when necessary. The premiere of Bigg Boss 19 aired on August 24, 2025, showcasing a diverse group of contestants, including Ashnoor Kaur, Awez Darbar, and Nagma Mirajkar.
Khanna acknowledged that he had "cold feet" before meeting Salman Khan, who he considers his "childhood hero". He also mentioned that he tends to overthink and hopes to use his time in the Bigg Boss house to work on this. He also stated that he is triggered by people being fake and that he doesn't get angry easily, but rather when he chooses to.
Ultimately, Gaurav Khanna sees Bigg Boss 19 as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to rediscover himself. He aims to embrace the challenges, connect with the audience, and showcase his true personality throughout his journey on the show.
