Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna reflected on staying calm, trusting self-belief, and playing a mindful game. He said reality shows are marathons, credited Salman Khan’s advice, chose authenticity over drama, and won by following his instincts and values
Gaurav Khanna, Salman Khan and Farrhana Bhatt
Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 19, lifting the coveted trophy and proving that calm consistency can overpower chaos. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actor spoke candidly about being doubted, staying true to himself, his game plan inside the house and what lies ahead.
On lifting the trophy
Reflecting on being underestimated yet again, Gaurav said, “I think in my last reality show, also, this thing was very evident. A lot of people there were also thinking I'm not worth it for that show, and I won that show as well. I always feel that reality shows are marathons, they are not sprints, and I believe in doing the right thing at the right time, at the right moment in my way. So, I'm very happy that all fell in the right places and I'm here with you today.”
Asked about his much-discussed calmness in a house full of chaos, Gaurav credited self-belief. “I think the belief in yourself was my biggest strength inside. I've always said that it's not important for me to look good, but it's important to look good because I've been in this industry. I know that I don't have to be popular just by looking good on this show. I have to be more popular by looking good on this show, and that is where the others missed.”
Addressing perceptions about his simplicity, he laughed, “They always say that I keep drinking green tea. I'm still drinking green tea. I was very normal inside. If I had to act like a superstar, I would have gotten up early, dressed in designer clothes and blow-dried my hair. But I can’t do that every day. I used to eat lentils and rice by hand, knead dough and wash utensils. I was nothing extraordinary inside. I was a very normal guy, boy next door.”
On selective participation in tasks
He added pointedly, “The 15 people inside didn’t consider me right, but the 150 crore people outside did. Now tell me, whose weight is more?”
On selectively participating in tasks, Gaurav clarified, “It wasn’t a strategy, it was an understanding. This is not a task show; this is a mind game. I had the mind in the right place and the heart in the right place. I knew when to do things my way.” He cited results as proof: “I won maximum sponsor hampers, the car and the ticket to the finale.”
Speaking about Salman Khan’s advice, he shared, “He said not every fight you have to be a part of, but you should have a point of view. I never started a fight, but I always ended it.”
On post-show plans, Gaurav smiled, “I am a happily married guy. I’d rather travel with my wife. I haven’t even gone back home yet. Let me get back to the real world first, then I’ll take it from there.”
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