Television actor Gaurav Khanna has spoken candidly about one of the most emotionally challenging periods of his career, revealing that he was once branded as “panauti” (unlucky) after several of his television shows failed to perform as expected.
In a recently released promotional clip for Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, the Bigg Boss 19 winner reflected on how industry perceptions affected his opportunities and confidence before he eventually found success with Anupamaa.
‘The Tag Started Affecting My Career’
Speaking about the difficult phase, Gaurav shared that a series of underperforming television shows led to an unfair reputation within the entertainment industry.
According to the actor, conversations behind the scenes gradually turned into a label that made producers hesitant to cast him.
“There was a phase in my career when I was labelled as unlucky because a few of my shows didn’t run for very long. What started as conversations behind closed doors slowly turned into rumours that if I was part of a show, it wouldn’t work, and I genuinely started losing work because of that.”
He explained that the label became emotionally exhausting, especially for someone who had moved to Mumbai with dreams of building a successful acting career.
‘A Show’s Success Is Never One Person’s Responsibility’
Gaurav admitted that the criticism affected him deeply, as he never believed the fate of a television show depended on a single actor.
Reflecting on those years, he said the experience made him question himself at times, but he remained committed to improving his craft.
“It was heartbreaking because I always believed that a show’s success or failure is a collective effort, not the responsibility of one actor. At times I doubted myself, but I never stopped believing in my work.”
Emotional Moment on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15
During his appearance on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, host Rohit Shetty surprised Gaurav with a message from actor Hussain Kuwajerwala.
The conversation brought back memories of his struggles but also served as a reminder of how far he had come.
Recalling the moment, Gaurav said:
“He reminded me that if I had survived much bigger challenges in life, I could definitely face these stunts. I’m glad that conversation happened because it lifted a weight I’ve been carrying for years.”
From Career Setbacks to Television Success
Gaurav Khanna began his television journey in the mid-2000s and appeared in several popular shows, including:
- Meri Doli Tere Angana
- Jeevan Saathi
- Love Ne Mila Di Jodi
- Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam
- CID
Although he received appreciation for his performances, many of these projects struggled to achieve strong Television Rating Points (TRPs).
His career took a major turn in 2021 when he was cast as Anuj Kapadia in the hit television drama Anupamaa. The character quickly became a fan favourite and established him as one of the leading actors on Indian television.
A Remarkable Comeback
Following the success of Anupamaa, Gaurav expanded his television career through reality shows, further strengthening his popularity.
His achievements include:
- Winning Celebrity MasterChef India
- Winning Bigg Boss 19
- Participating in Khatron Ke Khiladi 15
His journey from facing rejection to becoming one of television’s most recognised personalities has earned appreciation from fans across the country.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
Apart from his professional achievements, Gaurav has recently been in the news due to reports regarding his separation from wife Akanksha Chamola. However, during his recent television appearances, the actor has primarily focused on discussing his career, resilience and personal growth.
Why Gaurav Khanna’s Story Resonates
The actor’s reflections highlight the pressures many performers face in an industry where perception can sometimes influence opportunities as much as talent. By speaking openly about rejection, self-doubt and perseverance, Gaurav has offered insight into the realities behind a successful television career.
Today, his journey stands as an example of how persistence and consistent work can eventually overcome early setbacks and industry stereotypes.
