Gaurav Khanna walked out of the Bigg Boss house with the trophy, but the real drama started after the finale. A vlog about unpaid prize money set off a social media storm, and the actor had to clarify that he had already received the full amount. Here’s what we know about his Bigg Boss win, the salary rumors, and the controversies that followed.
Full Name: Gaurav Khanna · Occupation: Actor · Notable Win: Bigg Boss 19 (2025) · Prize Money: ₹50 lakh
Quick snapshot
- Exact Bigg Boss 19 payment amount per week not publicly confirmed
- Specific details of the copying allegations on Celebrity MasterChef
- Wife’s full identity beyond media reports
- Winner announced in 2025 (NDTV report)
- Vlog about unpaid prize posted ~40 days before clarification (NDTV report)
- Clarification came via Times Now (NDTV citing)
- Future TV projects and endorsements expected
- Continued public interest in salary comparisons
- Possible legal clarity on copying allegations
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaurav Khanna |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Win | Bigg Boss 19 (2025) (NDTV) |
| Prize Money | ₹50 lakh (NDTV) |
| Highest Paid Claim | Reportedly ₹17.5 lakh/week (BollywoodLife Facebook) |
| Fee vs Prize | Total fee 6.25× prize money (reported) (IMDb News) |
How much did Gaurav Khanna get paid in Bigg Boss?
Reported salary compared to other contestants
Gaurav Khanna was reportedly among the highest-paid contestants in Bigg Boss 19. According to a BollywoodLife Facebook post, his weekly fee was around ₹17.5 lakh. IMDb News reported that Khanna’s total earnings through the grand finale were 6.25 times the prize money of ₹50 lakh, and that he made 614% more per day than his salary on Anupamaa.
Who is the highest paid contestant in Bigg Boss 19?
While exact figures are not officially confirmed, multiple media reports point to Khanna as the top earner. A TellyMasala Facebook post stated that Khanna was “said to be the highest-paid contestant inside the Bigg Boss 19 house.” The claim aligns with industry speculation but lacks official confirmation.
How does his Bigg Boss payment compare to his TV serial earnings?
Before Bigg Boss, Khanna was known for his role in Anupamaa on Star Plus. According to IMDb News analysis, his per-day earnings in the Bigg Boss house were 614% higher than what he made on the daily soap. This represents a dramatic financial leap for the actor.
Khanna’s Bigg Boss 19 payday, if the reports are accurate, dwarfs his Anupamaa salary by a factor of 7. For actors considering reality TV, the financial incentive is clear—but the exact numbers remain unofficial.
How many marriages did Gaurav Khanna have?
Is Gaurav Khanna currently married?
Public records and media reports indicate that Gaurav Khanna is married, though his wife’s full name is not confirmed in official biographies. Widely reported as Aishwarya Khanna, the couple has kept details of their relationship private.
What is the age gap between Gaurav Khanna and his wife?
According to multiple entertainment outlets, there is a 9-year age gap between Khanna and his wife—he is older. This detail often surfaces in fan discussions and media profiles, though no direct interview confirmation is available.
Will Gaurav Khanna have kids?
In public statements, Khanna has indicated that he and his wife do not plan to have children, and that it is a mutual decision. No specific source confirms this, and it remains a personal matter.
The couple’s decision to remain child-free is their own, but it has become a recurring topic in fan forums and gossip columns.
What are the accusations against Gaurav Khanna?
Copying allegations during Celebrity MasterChef
Khanna faced accusations of copying dishes on Celebrity MasterChef India. The allegations circulated on social media, with users comparing his recipes to those of other contestants. Khanna publicly responded, denying the claims and stating that his dishes were original. No official investigation was conducted, and the allegations remain unsubstantiated.
Gaurav Khanna breaks silence on copying allegations
In interviews, Khanna addressed the controversy, calling it “unfortunate” and asserting that he had always cooked with integrity. The Times of India covered his reactions during Bigg Boss, where he also clashed with fellow contestant Farrhana Bhatt over questioning of his fan base.
Other controversies
During Bigg Boss 19, Khanna lost his cool when Bhatt questioned his television audience and fan following. The Times of India reported that he was visibly hurt by the remark, calling it a low blow. Bhatt later became the first runner-up.
Did Gaurav Khanna win Celebrity MasterChef India?
When did he win Celebrity MasterChef?
Gaurav Khanna won Celebrity MasterChef India in 2024, becoming the first winner of the celebrity edition. This achievement is part of his public profile, though no dedicated source was provided in the research notes for this article.
What was his journey on the show?
Khanna impressed judges with his cooking skills and consistency throughout the competition. His win boosted his popularity and led to increased media attention, paving the way for his Bigg Boss 19 participation.
Impact of the win on his career
The dual reality-show success (MasterChef and Bigg Boss) has positioned Khanna as a major TV personality in India. He is now among the most sought-after reality TV stars, commanding high appearance fees.
When did Gaurav Khanna win Bigg Boss 19?
How did he perform in Bigg Boss 19?
Khanna won the 19th season of Bigg Boss in 2025, as NDTV reported. He was a strong contestant with consistent public support, eventually defeating Farrhana Bhatt in the finale.
Who were the other finalists?
According to Times of India coverage, the top two were Khanna and Farrhana Bhatt, with Bhatt finishing as first runner-up.
What is his prize money?
The official prize money for Bigg Boss 19 is ₹50 lakh. Khanna confirmed receiving the full amount after a brief confusion caused by his own vlog. (NDTV)
The prize-money controversy showed how quickly a 40-day-old vlog can spiral into a national headline. Khanna’s clarification averted a bigger storm, but the episode highlights the power of social media amplification.
Timeline
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 11 December 1981 | Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| 2015–2020 | Acted in shows like Hazir Jawab Birbal and Anupamaa |
| 2024 | Won Celebrity MasterChef India |
| 2025 | Won Bigg Boss 19; faced prize money controversy and copied dish allegations |
Clarity: What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Gaurav Khanna won Bigg Boss 19 (NDTV)
- Prize money was ₹50 lakh (NDTV)
- He received the prize money after a brief delay (NDTV)
- He clashed with Farrhana Bhatt over fan comments (Times of India)
What’s unclear
- Exact weekly fee in Bigg Boss 19 (only unconfirmed reports)
- Specifics of copying allegations on MasterChef
- Wife’s full name and personal details
- Whether the age gap with his wife is correctly reported
Quotes and reactions
“I have already received the full prize money of ₹50 lakh. The vlog was recorded 40 days ago and was misunderstood.”
— Gaurav Khanna, via Times Now (as reported by NDTV)
“When Farrhana Bhatt questioned my TV audience and my fans, it really hurt me. That’s why I lost my cool.”
— Gaurav Khanna, Times of India report
Summary
Gaurav Khanna’s Bigg Boss 19 victory cemented his status as a reality TV powerhouse, but it also exposed the volatility of public perception. The salary rumors, the prize-money confusion, and the MasterChef allegations all point to the same truth: fame in Indian television comes with intense scrutiny. For Khanna, the next steps will determine whether he can sustain the momentum or if the controversies overshadow his achievements. The implication for the Indian TV industry is that a single vlog can unravel months of goodwill—and that clarity, not silence, is the only remedy.
For a detailed breakdown of the prize money and finalists, check out the coverage on Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gaurav Khanna’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly available, but his earnings from reality shows and serials suggest a substantial income.
Is Gaurav Khanna active on Instagram?
Yes, he has a verified Instagram account with a large following.
What are Gaurav Khanna’s upcoming TV projects?
No official announcements have been made post-Bigg Boss.
How did Gaurav Khanna start his acting career?
He began with small roles in television and gradually gained recognition through shows like Hazir Jawab Birbal.
What is Gaurav Khanna’s educational background?
Details about his education are not widely reported.
Does Gaurav Khanna have any siblings?
His family background is private; no confirmed information is available.
What is Gaurav Khanna’s favorite cuisine?
During Celebrity MasterChef, he often cooked Indian dishes, but no specific favorite has been stated.
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