Gaurav Khanna's Triumphant Return to Kanpur After Bigg Boss Victory
Gaurav Khanna, the celebrated actor from the television series Anupamaa and recent winner of Bigg Boss season 19, experienced an overwhelming homecoming during his four-day visit to his birthplace, Kanpur. The city welcomed him with open arms, celebrating his dual achievements in both acting and reality television.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Kanpur
During his stay, Khanna immersed himself in the familiar comforts of his hometown. He reunited with friends, relatives, and former neighbors, indulging in his favorite local dishes that evoke cherished memories. A particularly sentimental moment was his visit to his alma mater, where he reconnected with teachers who played a pivotal role in his formative years.
"I really don't know where these four days went," Khanna shared during an exclusive interview at a private gathering he hosted for loved ones. "My friends, relatives, neighbors, and teachers—everyone wanted to meet me, which was incredibly overwhelming. This is the love of Kanpur that keeps bringing me back here repeatedly."
Reflections on Roots and Resilience
Khanna eloquently described Kanpur as his janam bhoomi (birthplace) and Mumbai as his karm bhoomi (workplace), emphasizing that both cities have showered him with immense affection. He credited his hometown for shaping his character and work ethic.
"Kanpur has played an indispensable role in making me who I am today," he stated. "Whether it was entering the acting industry or winning reality shows like Bigg Boss or MasterChef India, the experiences I gained in Kanpur helped me give my best. I come from a corporate background with no professional acting training, but I embraced acting as a challenge and proved myself. The people of Kanpur are exceptionally hardworking, and I embody that same spirit."
The Bigg Boss Journey: Risks and Resolve
Khanna revealed that he was initially hesitant about joining Bigg Boss, having declined multiple offers while filming Anupamaa. However, he eventually accepted, viewing the recurring opportunity as destiny. His decision surprised colleagues who considered it a significant risk amid his thriving acting career.
"When my colleagues found out, they asked, 'What are you doing?' They thought participating in Bigg Boss was a huge gamble," Khanna recalled. "But I believed that since the offer kept coming, it was meant for me, and I should give it a try."
In the early stages of the show, Khanna faced criticism for allegedly not being authentic. He addressed these claims head-on, explaining his strategic approach.
"Initially, people said I wasn't showing my real side and was merely acting, but that wasn't the case," he clarified. "Before entering the house, I was determined to win both the show and the viewers' hearts. Millions watch this program and assume there's a set formula to win, but that's not true. I remained committed to respecting everyone, avoiding derogatory behavior or conversations. I never fabricated issues, body-shamed participants, or used abusive language."
Addressing Controversies and Future Aspirations
Regarding his on-screen dynamics with fellow contestant Tanya Mittal, Khanna maintained a diplomatic stance. "Everyone has their own style of playing the game. I'm no one to comment on their methods. I focused on my goal and played according to my principles," he said. He also dismissed rumors about mimicking Mittal at a Dubai event, attributing it to a planned activity with no malicious intent.
Looking ahead, Khanna expressed a desire to explore OTT platforms after his successes in television and reality shows. "Television is my home and has given me so much, but after serials and reality shows, I'd love to undertake OTT projects," he shared. He also mentioned Salman Khan's interest in collaborating, expressing confidence in the superstar's commitment.
Clarifying Personal Life Speculations
Khanna firmly denied rumors of marital strife with his wife, Akanksha Chamola, sparked by her cryptic social media post. "I don't understand where such news originates. It seems like the work of keyboard warriors who don't bother verifying facts," he asserted. "Akanksha's post was part of promoting her upcoming web series, misinterpreted as a sign of separation. We are happily together, and I fully support her acting comeback. We respect each other's feelings, and there's no truth to these speculations."
Gaurav Khanna's homecoming not only celebrated his achievements but also highlighted his grounded personality, resilience, and unwavering connection to his roots, setting the stage for his next ventures in the entertainment industry.
