Veteran television actor Gaurav Khanna (43) has expressed that his victory in Bigg Boss Season 19 feels “surreal,” emphasizing that his win is a testament to playing the game with integrity and being authentic, despite being accused by some inside the house of wearing a façade.
A Clean and Fair Game
Khanna, who was crowned the winner in the recent finale, stated his core objective was to prove that success on the show doesn’t require “abusing or crossing any line.”
- Integrity Over Drama: “All I’ve ever wanted is to give my hundred percent to whatever I do. I wanted to prove to the world that you can win a show like Bigg Boss by keeping your integrity, by just being yourself…” he said.
- Mind Game Strategy: He attributed his success to a controlled approach: “This show is a mind game; if you’re not triggered, you won’t react, and that worked in my favour.”
- Winning Moment: Recalling host Salman Khan taking his name, he was teary-eyed, calling it a “dream for every television viewer.” He also highlighted Salman Khan’s expression of a desire to work with him as another achievement.
On Facing Controversy
Khanna addressed two major criticisms he faced during his time in the house:
- “TV Remark”: He agreed he was hurt by co-contestant Farrhana Bhatt’s “TV remark,” stating the comment hurt him not because it was aimed at him, but because it targeted the television platform that shaped his career.
- “Child” Topic: Khanna clarified that discussing his personal desire for a child with his wife, Akanksha Chamola, was a personal choice, not a game strategy for sympathy. He emphasized his respect for his wife’s wishes regarding parenthood, saying, “If every man thought this way, the world would be a slightly better place.”
Career “Second Innings”
The actor, who has been in show business for over two decades, considers his recent successes a “second innings” in his career:
- Anuj Kapadia: He credits his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa for bringing him “stability” and returning him to prominence.
- MasterChef: He states his win on Celebrity MasterChef India made him famous as “GK.”
- Bigg Boss: He believes this latest win has “taken me to a different level altogether.”