Gaurav Khanna Biography: Gaurav Khanna is one of Indian television’s most talented and versatile actors, best known for his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in the hit TV show Anupamaa and his role as Senior Inspector Kavin in CID. With over 15 years in the entertainment industry, he has earned immense respect for his acting skills, screen presence, and dedication to his craft. In 2025, he added another feather to his cap by winning Celebrity MasterChef India.

Gaurav Khanna Early Life & Education
Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He grew up in a middle-class family; his father, Vinod Khanna, worked in exports, while his mother, Shakshi Khanna, played a supportive role in his upbringing. He has an elder sister and completed his schooling at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur, where he actively participated in theatre and debates.
He later pursued an MBA in Marketing and initially worked as a marketing manager in an IT firm before making the bold decision to switch careers and follow his passion for acting.

Gaurav Khanna Acting Career Journey
- Early Days: Gaurav began his career in television commercials before making his TV debut.
- TV Debut: His first appearance was in Bhabhi (2006) as Bhuvan Sareen.
- Breakthrough Roles: He gained recognition with Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan (as Sharman Wadhwa) and Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007).
- Popular Serials: Over the years, he starred in Jeevan Saathi, Love Ne Mila Di Jodi, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, Tere Bin, Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka, and Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta.
- CID Fame: His portrayal of Senior Inspector Kavin in CID made him a household name.
- Stardom with Anupamaa: From 2021 to 2024, his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa earned him immense popularity, multiple awards, and a massive fan following.
- Reality Show Victory: In 2025, he participated in Celebrity MasterChef India and emerged as the winner, securing ₹20 lakh in prize money.
Gaurav Khanna Awards & Achievements
- Indian Telly Awards 2023 – Best Actor (Editorial) for Anupamaa
- Best Onscreen Couple with Rupali Ganguly for Anupamaa
- Multiple nominations at ITA and Gold Awards for Best Actor & Best Jodi
Gaurav Khanna Personal Life
Gaurav Khanna married television actress Akanksha Chamola on November 24, 2016, in Kanpur. The couple often shares glimpses of their life on social media, and fans adore their chemistry.
Gaurav Khanna Challenges & Inspirational Journey
Despite his success, Gaurav has been open about the struggles he faced during his early days in Mumbai, including financial constraints and the challenges of establishing himself in the competitive TV industry. On Celebrity MasterChef, he revealed that he is colour-blind, yet he overcame this challenge to perform exceptionally well in cooking tasks.

Gaurav Khanna at a Glance
Full Name | Gaurav Khanna |
---|---|
Date of Birth | 11 December 1981 |
Birthplace | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Education | MBA in Marketing |
Profession | Actor |
Years Active | 2006 – Present |
Spouse | Akanksha Chamola (m. 2016) |
Known For | Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, Senior Inspector Kavin in CID |
Reality Show Win | Celebrity MasterChef India (2025) |
Final Thoughts
Gaurav Khanna’s journey from a marketing professional