Introduction
Gaurav Khanna is one of the most respected and popular actors in the Indian television industry. Known for his calm personality, mature acting style, and emotional screen presence, Gaurav became a household name after playing Anuj Kapadia in the superhit TV show Anupamaa.
Although he had already worked in many successful serials before, his role in Anupamaa completely transformed his career and made him one of the biggest male television stars in India.
In recent years, Gaurav expanded his popularity through reality television. In 2025–2026, he gained massive attention after winning both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss Season 19. (Wikipedia)
In 2026, he remains one of the most searched television celebrities because of his reality-show success, possible return to Anupamaa, relationship with wife Akanksha Chamola, and growing digital popularity. (The Times of India)
This detailed biography covers everything about Gaurav Khanna including his age, family, wife, education, TV career, net worth, controversies, Bigg Boss journey, and latest trending topics.
Gaurav Khanna Wiki/Bio
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaurav Khanna |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1981 |
| Age (2026) | 44 Years |
| Birthplace | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Akanksha Chamola |
| Famous For | Anupamaa, Bigg Boss 19 |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹20–30 Crore (Estimated) |
| Education | MBA in Marketing |
Early Life and Family Background
Gaurav Khanna was born and raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He comes from a well-educated family and had a disciplined upbringing.
Before entering acting, Gaurav focused heavily on academics and professional life. Unlike many actors who entered the industry very early, Gaurav first worked in the corporate sector before shifting toward entertainment.
He has often shared his emotional connection with Kanpur and described it as his “janam bhoomi,” while Mumbai became his “karm bhoomi.” (The Times of India)
His grounded personality and mature mindset are among the biggest reasons fans admire him.
Education Qualification
Educational Background
- Schooling: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Qualification: MBA in Marketing
- Former Profession: Marketing Manager in an IT Company
Before acting, Gaurav worked as a marketing manager in an IT company for nearly a year. Later, he decided to follow his passion for entertainment and shifted toward modeling and acting. (Wikipedia)
His MBA background makes him one of the few highly educated mainstream television actors.
Career Journey
Beginning of Acting Career
Gaurav started his career through television commercials and modeling assignments.
His early television appearances included shows like:
- Bhabhi
- Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan
- Meri Doli Tere Angana
These serials helped him slowly gain recognition in the TV industry. (Wikipedia)
Popularity with Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam
Gaurav gained major recognition after starring in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam opposite actress Yami Gautam.
Fans loved his mature romantic image and emotional acting style. The show became highly popular among television audiences.
This role established Gaurav as a dependable lead actor.
CID and Other Television Shows
Gaurav later appeared in several successful TV serials including:
- CID
- Jeevan Saathi
- Tere Bin
- Chandrakanta
His versatility allowed him to perform romantic, dramatic, and action-oriented characters successfully. (Wikipedia)
Anupamaa Journey – Career Changing Role
Gaurav Khanna’s biggest career breakthrough came with Anupamaa.
He played the role of Anuj Kapadia, a mature businessman deeply in love with Anupamaa, played by Rupali Ganguly.
The chemistry between Gaurav and Rupali became one of the biggest reasons behind the show’s massive TRP success.
Fans loved Anuj Kapadia because he represented a respectful, supportive, and emotionally mature partner — something rarely shown in Indian television.
According to fan discussions online, many viewers believe Anupamaa started losing its charm after Gaurav exited the show. (Reddit)
Gaurav officially left the show in late 2024 as the storyline moved in a different direction. (Wikipedia)
However, in 2026 he hinted that Anuj Kapadia might return in the future, saying the character is “not dead.” (Moneycontrol)
Bigg Boss 19 Journey
One of the biggest highlights of Gaurav’s career came when he entered Bigg Boss Season 19.
Initially, many viewers thought he would struggle in the aggressive reality-show environment because of his calm nature. However, he surprised everyone with his emotional intelligence and balanced gameplay.
Unlike many contestants, Gaurav avoided unnecessary controversies and maintained a dignified image throughout the season. (The Economic Times)
Eventually, he won the season and took home the trophy along with ₹50 lakh prize money. (The Indian Express)
Fans appreciated him for:
- Playing with dignity
- Staying calm during fights
- Avoiding toxic drama
- Supporting contestants emotionally
- Maintaining maturity inside the house
His victory further increased his popularity nationwide.
Celebrity MasterChef India Winner
Before winning Bigg Boss 19, Gaurav also participated in Celebrity MasterChef India.
Surprisingly, he won the competition despite not being known as a professional cook. Fans admired his dedication, discipline, and consistency during the show. (Wikipedia)
Winning two major reality shows back-to-back made him one of the most successful television personalities of 2025–2026.
Relationship Status and Wife
Marriage with Akanksha Chamola
Gaurav Khanna is married to actress Akanksha Chamola.
The couple got married in 2016 and are known for their fun-loving chemistry and humorous social-media content.
In recent interviews, Gaurav confirmed that he and Akanksha are “happily together as a couple.” (The Times of India)
Children and Family Planning
During Bigg Boss 19, discussions around the couple’s personal life became highly emotional after conversations regarding their decision about children. (The Economic Times)
Gaurav handled the situation calmly and received support from many viewers online.
Net Worth in 2026
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2026, Gaurav Khanna’s estimated net worth is around ₹20–30 crore.
His income mainly comes from:
- Television serials
- Reality shows
- Brand endorsements
- Public appearances
- Social media collaborations
- YouTube and digital content
After Bigg Boss 19, his popularity and market value increased significantly.
Social Media Popularity
Gaurav has built a strong social-media fanbase in recent years.
His online content includes:
- Behind-the-scenes videos
- Family moments
- Fitness content
- Travel reels
- Funny couple videos
- Motivational thoughts
After winning reality shows, his YouTube and Instagram following grew rapidly. Fans especially enjoy his natural personality and humble attitude.
Controversies
Bigg Boss 19 Emotional Controversy
During Bigg Boss 19, Gaurav faced criticism after some contestants accused him of using emotional personal topics for sympathy. (The Economic Times)
However, many fans defended him and praised his emotional honesty.
Online Rumors and Reddit Discussions
Like many celebrities, Gaurav has also been discussed heavily on Reddit and social media.
Some Reddit users criticized his personality or discussed rumors related to his professional and personal life. (Reddit)
However, most of these discussions are online opinions and not verified facts.
Awards and Achievements
Major Achievements
- Indian Telly Award for Best Actor
- Bigg Boss 19 Winner
- Celebrity MasterChef India Winner
- One of the most loved male TV actors
- Massive success with Anupamaa
Why Gaurav Khanna Is Trending in 2026
Gaurav remains highly trending because of:
- Bigg Boss 19 victory
- Possible Anupamaa return
- Celebrity MasterChef success
- Reality-show fanbase
- Relationship with Akanksha
- Upcoming projects with Rajan Shahi
- Social-media popularity
He was also recently in headlines because of his reunion with other reality-show contestants before Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. (The Times of India)
Lesser Known Facts About Gaurav Khanna
Interesting Facts
- Gaurav holds an MBA degree in Marketing.
- He worked in an IT company before acting.
- He became extremely popular as Anuj Kapadia.
- He won both Celebrity MasterChef and Bigg Boss 19.
- He is known for his calm personality.
- Fans consider him one of television’s “green flag” male characters.
- He loves traveling and fitness.
- He has a strong emotional connection with Kanpur. (The Times of India)
Conclusion
Gaurav Khanna’s journey from an MBA graduate and marketing professional to becoming one of India’s biggest television stars is truly inspiring.
Through hard work, maturity, and consistency, he built a successful career in both television dramas and reality shows.
Whether as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa or as the winner of Bigg Boss 19, Gaurav continues to win hearts with his calm personality and emotional depth.
In 2026, he remains one of the most respected and admired male actors in Indian television.
FAQs About Gaurav Khanna
Who is Gaurav Khanna?
Gaurav Khanna is an Indian television actor famous for Anupamaa, CID, and winning Bigg Boss 19.
What is Gaurav Khanna’s age in 2026?
He is 44 years old in 2026.
Who is Gaurav Khanna’s wife?
He is married to actress Akanksha Chamola.
What is Gaurav Khanna’s net worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth is around ₹20–30 crore.
Why is Gaurav Khanna famous?
He became extremely popular for playing Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa.
Did Gaurav Khanna win Bigg Boss?
Yes, he won Bigg Boss 19 in 2025.