Gaurav Khanna biography covers the Indian TV actor’s rise to fame. Discover his age, wife Akanksha Chamola, net worth of ₹8 crore, and Bigg Boss 19 win.
Who is Gaurav Khanna?
Gaurav Khanna biography showcases the remarkable journey of one of Indian television’s most versatile actors. Born on 11 December 1981 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he has transformed from a corporate professional to a celebrated television personality. At 43 years old in 2025, Khanna has cemented his status as a household name through iconic roles and reality show victories.
Khanna’s path to stardom was unconventional. Unlike many actors who pursue entertainment from childhood, he completed an MBA and worked as a marketing manager before following his passion. This background gave him a grounded perspective that audiences find refreshing.
The actor gained widespread recognition through his portrayal of Senior Inspector Kavin in the long-running crime series CID. His career-defining role came as Anuj Kapadia in the hit Star Plus drama Anupamaa from 2021 to 2024, earning him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor.
In 2025, Khanna achieved unprecedented success by winning both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19, proving his versatility extends far beyond acting.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaurav Khanna |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1981 |
| Age (2025) | 43 years old |
| Place of Birth | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Profession | Actor, Model, Television Personality |
| Famous For | Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, Inspector Kavin in CID |
| Wife | Akanksha Chamola (married 2016) |
| Children | None |
| Father | Vinod Khanna (Businessman) |
| Mother | Shashi Khanna (Homemaker) |
| Siblings | One elder sister |
| Education | MBA in Marketing |
| Net Worth | ₹8-15 crore (estimated) |
Early Life and Background
Gaurav Khanna was born into a middle-class Punjabi family in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Vinod Khanna, worked as an exporter, whilst his mother, Shashi Khanna, managed the household. Growing up with an elder sister, Gaurav enjoyed a nurturing environment that encouraged both academic excellence and creative pursuits.
From a young age, Khanna displayed an energetic personality and interest in the performing arts. He actively participated in theatre, debates, and public speaking during his school years at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur. Despite these artistic inclinations, acting was not his initial career choice.
The values instilled during his upbringing in Kanpur shaped his professional demeanour. His grounded nature and disciplined approach, often praised by colleagues and fans, stem from his modest beginnings in this industrial city of Uttar Pradesh.
Educational Background
Khanna completed his schooling at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, one of Kanpur’s prestigious educational institutions. He developed strong communication skills through extracurricular activities including theatre and debates.
After finishing school, Khanna relocated to Mumbai to pursue higher education. He enrolled in a Master of Business Administration programme, specialising in Marketing. Armed with his MBA degree, Khanna secured a position as a marketing manager at an IT firm, working there for nearly a year before transitioning to entertainment.
Career Journey
Khanna’s entertainment career began with television commercials, where he gained initial exposure to the camera. His first television appearance came in the serial Bhabhi, followed by a role in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. These early opportunities helped him understand the craft of television acting.
His first lead role arrived in 2007 with Meri Doli Tere Angana, marking a significant milestone. Subsequently, he portrayed memorable characters including Neil Fernandez in Jeevan Saathi – Humsafar Zindagi Ke and Abeer Bajpayee opposite Yami Gautam in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam. His portrayal of Senior Inspector Kavin in CID brought him nationwide recognition and established his action credentials.
The role of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa from 2021 to 2024 proved transformative. His chemistry with co-star Rupali Ganguly captivated audiences, and his nuanced performance earned the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial). This character elevated him to unprecedented popularity.
In 2025, Khanna ventured into reality television with spectacular results. He won Celebrity MasterChef India, impressing judges despite being colour-blind and vegetarian. The victory included a ₹20 lakh cash prize. He subsequently entered Bigg Boss 19 and emerged as the winner, achieving a rare double triumph in reality television.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Television debut in Bhabhi | First screen appearance |
| 2007 | Lead role in Meri Doli Tere Angana | First protagonist role |
| 2011 | Joined CID as Inspector Kavin | Breakthrough role |
| 2016 | Married Akanksha Chamola | Personal milestone |
| 2021 | Cast as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa | Career-defining role |
| 2023 | Won Indian Telly Award | Industry recognition |
| 2025 | Won Celebrity MasterChef India | Reality show triumph |
| 2025 | Won Bigg Boss 19 | Historic double victory |
Personal Life and Relationships
Gaurav Khanna met television actress Akanksha Chamola during an audition, and the connection was instant. According to Khanna, he found a pretext to ask for her number, beginning their courtship. The couple dated for several years before deciding to marry.
Khanna and Chamola tied the knot on 24 November 2016 in a grand three-day ceremony held in Kanpur. The wedding was attended by family, friends, and industry colleagues. Despite a nine-year age gap, with Khanna being older, the couple shares a strong bond that they frequently showcase on social media.
The couple currently resides in Mumbai and has chosen not to have children yet. Akanksha has publicly stated that whilst Gaurav desires children, she is not ready for parenthood. Both respect each other’s perspectives on this matter, demonstrating their mature approach to marriage.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Gaurav Khanna has built substantial wealth through his two-decade television career. His estimated net worth ranges between ₹8 crore to ₹15 crore, accumulated through acting projects, reality shows, endorsements, and brand collaborations.
During his tenure on Anupamaa, Khanna commanded a significant per-episode fee. His Celebrity MasterChef participation earned him approximately ₹2.5 lakh weekly, plus the ₹20 lakh winner’s prize. His Bigg Boss 19 contract reportedly made him one of the highest-paid contestants of the season.
Beyond television income, Khanna earns through brand endorsements and social media collaborations. He maintains a comfortable lifestyle, residing in a stylish Mumbai apartment whilst staying connected to his roots in Kanpur.
Major Achievements
Khanna’s trophy cabinet reflects his versatility and talent. His portrayal of Anuj Kapadia earned him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial), one of television’s most prestigious honours.
His 2025 achievements stand particularly remarkable. Winning Celebrity MasterChef India as the only vegetarian contestant, whilst managing colour-blindness, demonstrated extraordinary determination. The Bigg Boss 19 victory that followed made him one of few celebrities to win multiple reality shows in a single year.
Throughout his career, Khanna has received numerous nominations for performances in shows like CID, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, and Chandrakanta. His ability to portray diverse characters has earned industry-wide respect.
Final Thoughts
Gaurav Khanna represents the modern Indian television star who combines talent with authenticity. His journey from corporate professional to award-winning actor and reality show champion inspires countless aspiring performers. His unconventional path proves that success in entertainment requires persistence rather than early starts.
His decision to pursue acting after establishing a corporate career demonstrates courage and self-belief. Khanna shows that following one’s passion, regardless of timing, can lead to extraordinary achievements when combined with dedication and hard work.
As he continues exploring new opportunities, Khanna remains a role model for professionalism and humility in Indian television. His grounded personality, despite immense fame, reflects the values instilled during his upbringing in Kanpur. With his recent reality show victories, Gaurav Khanna’s influence on Indian entertainment continues to grow.
FAQs About Gaurav Khanna
How old is Gaurav Khanna in 2025?
Gaurav Khanna is 43 years old in 2025, having been born on 11 December 1981 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He will turn 44 in December 2025.
Who is Gaurav Khanna’s wife?
Gaurav Khanna is married to television actress Akanksha Chamola. The couple married on 24 November 2016 in Kanpur after dating for several years.
What is Gaurav Khanna’s net worth?
Gaurav Khanna’s estimated net worth is between ₹8 crore to ₹15 crore. His wealth comes from television projects, reality shows, and brand endorsements.
Which shows has Gaurav Khanna appeared in?
Gaurav Khanna has appeared in numerous shows including CID as Inspector Kavin, Anupamaa as Anuj Kapadia, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, Chandrakanta, and Love Ne Mila Di Jodi.
Did Gaurav Khanna win Bigg Boss 19?
Yes, Gaurav Khanna won Bigg Boss 19 in December 2025. Earlier that year, he also won Celebrity MasterChef India, achieving a rare double victory.
Is Gaurav Khanna colour-blind?
Yes, Gaurav Khanna revealed during Celebrity MasterChef India that he is colour-blind. Despite this challenge, he won the cooking competition, impressing judges with his creativity.
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