Early Life and Education
Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, to Vinod Khanna, a businessman, and Sakshi Khanna. Raised in a middle-class family, he grew up with an elder sister and an elder brother. He completed his early education at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur and later pursued a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Mumbai. Before entering the entertainment industry, Khanna worked as a marketing manager in an IT firm for nearly a year.
Career
Early Career
Khanna’s entry into the entertainment industry was serendipitous. While working out at a gym, a friend suggested he try modeling, leading him to appear in television commercials. His acting debut came in 2006 with a small role as Bhuvan Sareen in the TV serial Bhabhi. He then appeared as Sharman Wadhwa in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, gaining initial recognition.
Breakthrough and Notable Roles
Khanna’s first lead role was as Ruhaan Oberoi in Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007). He rose to prominence with roles such as Neil Fernandez in Jeevan Saathi – Humsafar Zindagi Ke (2009), Abeer Bajpayee alongside Yami Gautam in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam (2009), and Inspector Kavin in the popular crime series CID. Other notable roles include Dr. Akshay Sinha in Tere Bin (2016) and Prince Virendra Singh in Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta (2017).
His career-defining role came in 2021 as Anuj Kapadia in the hit Star Plus serial Anupamaa, opposite Rupali Ganguly. This role earned him widespread acclaim and the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial) in 2023 and 2025. He played Anuj until 2024, solidifying his status as a household name.
Reality Shows and Hosting
Khanna has also ventured into reality television. In 2011, he hosted the third season of Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan. He participated in dance competitions like Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 (2008) and Box Cricket League. In 2025, he won the first season of Celebrity MasterChef India, showcasing his culinary skills. That same year, he joined Bigg Boss 19 as a contestant, surprising fans with his decision to enter the high-pressure reality show hosted by Salman Khan.
Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Khanna has appeared in episodic roles in shows like Mano Ya Na Mano and Savdhaan India. He is known for his fitness enthusiasm and active presence on social media, where he engages with his 1.1 million Instagram followers.
Personal Life
Khanna met television actress Akanksha Chamola during an audition, and the two began dating in 2016. They married on November 24, 2016, in a three-day ceremony in Kanpur. The couple, married for nine years as of 2025, has no children. Khanna has publicly addressed rumors about their family plans with humor, emphasizing their contentment with their current life. In 2025, he revealed on Celebrity MasterChef that he is colorblind, a fact previously unknown to many fans.
Awards and Recognition
Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial): Won in 2023 and 2025 for his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa.
Celebrity MasterChef India (Season 1): Winner in 2025.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Gaurav Khanna’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million (approximately ₹8 crore), derived from his television roles, endorsements, and brand collaborations. Reports suggest he earned ₹1.5 lakh per episode for Anupamaa.
Physical Stats and Hobbies
Height: 5’9” (1.75 meters)
Weight: 73 kg
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Hobbies: Fitness, traveling, cooking, reading, music, and outdoor activities like hiking.
Interesting Facts
Khanna transitioned from a corporate career to acting after a chance encounter led to modeling opportunities.
He is a self-proclaimed fitness freak, regularly sharing workout routines on social media.
Despite being offered Bigg Boss in previous seasons, he chose 2025 to participate, citing the right timing in his career.
His chemistry with Rupali Ganguly in Anupamaa was widely praised, making Anuj Kapadia one of his most iconic roles.
Current Endeavors
As of August 2025, Khanna is a contestant on Bigg Boss 19, where his calm demeanor and strategic approach have garnered attention. Rumors suggest he may join Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 to showcase his adventurous side, keeping fans eager for his next move.
