In a remarkable culmination of culinary prowess and personal growth, television actor Gaurav Khanna has emerged victorious as the first-ever winner of Celebrity MasterChef India. The finale, which aired on April 11, 2025, saw Khanna outshine fellow finalists Nikki Tamboli and Tejasswi Prakash, securing the coveted golden trophy, a cash prize of ₹20 lakh, and the prestigious chef’s coat.
In This Article:
A Journey from Screen to Kitchen
Best known for his role as Anuj in the popular television series Anupamaa, Khanna’s transition from acting to the culinary world was both unexpected and inspiring. His journey on the show was marked by consistent growth, creativity, and a deep passion for cooking. Judges Farah Khan, Ranveer Brar, and Vikas Khanna lauded his dedication and evolution throughout the competition .
Khanna’s culinary skills were put to the ultimate test in the finale, where he was tasked with replicating Chef Rahul Rana’s intricate vegetarian dish, Shadras. The dish, embodying the six fundamental tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent—required precision and a nuanced understanding of flavors. Khanna’s rendition impressed the judges, securing his win.
Celebrations at Avatara
To commemorate his victory, Khanna, accompanied by his wife Akanksha Chamola, visited Avatara, the Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Rahul Rana. The visit was marked by camaraderie and mutual respect. In a light-hearted moment captured on video, Chef Rana watched Khanna’s winning moment on his phone, jesting, “I think I know this guy.” Khanna then entered, playfully asking, “Where is Avatara restaurant?” The exchange elicited laughter from those present.
Expressing his admiration for Chef Rana, Khanna remarked, “He’s a wonderful chap. I’m happy how he’s put vegetarian dishes on the world map. Thank you for inviting Akanksha and me—it’s been a lovely experience. I’m not cooking today. I’m eating.” To this, Chef Rana responded, “Thank you, MasterChef Gaurav. You should get used to being addressed as a chef.”
Adding to the jovial atmosphere, Chamola, capturing the celebration on camera, quipped, “Chef, please remind Gaurav to cook for me too.” Khanna, smiling, replied, “I knew I’d get played like this.”
A Love Story Worth Telling
Khanna’s journey on Celebrity MasterChef India was not just about culinary excellence; it also highlighted his personal life, particularly his relationship with wife Akanksha Chamola. The couple’s love story began during an audition, where Khanna introduced himself as ‘Rakesh’ to appear inexperienced. Their relationship blossomed from that serendipitous meeting, leading to their marriage on November 24, 2016, in a grand ceremony in Kanpur .
Their endearing love story captured the hearts of many, including judge Farah Khan, who expressed interest in adapting it into a film. Fellow contestant Hina Khan suggested it could also be a television series, underscoring the couple’s widespread appeal .
Overcoming Challenges
Khanna’s victory is particularly inspiring given the challenges he faced. Despite being color-blind, he demonstrated remarkable adaptability and precision in his dishes, impressing both judges and viewers. His journey from an MBA graduate and IT professional to a celebrated actor and now a culinary champion exemplifies resilience and versatility .
Looking Ahead
As Khanna basks in the glory of his Celebrity MasterChef India win, he remains grounded and focused on the future. In interviews, he has expressed a desire to continue exploring the culinary world, potentially combining his acting and cooking talents in new ventures .
Final Standings
The inaugural season concluded with the following standings:
- Winner: Gaurav Khanna
- First Runner-up: Nikki Tamboli
- Second Runner-up: Tejasswi Prakash
Khanna’s triumph not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a precedent for future celebrity editions of the show. His journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to embrace new challenges.
By – Sonali
