Bigg Boss 19 champion Gaurav Khanna breaks silence on ‘rigged finale’ claims, 'I don’t owe anyone an answer'

Gaurav Khanna, who walked away with the Bigg Boss 19 trophy and a ₹50-lakh prize, has finally reacted to the chatter surrounding his win. The actor- already known for bagging the Celebrity MasterChef India title- was often criticised during the season for keeping a low profile.

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Viewers accused him of playing “safe,” staying “on the backfoot,” and merely “observing” the game. Some even claimed his popularity from television made him a “fixed” winner. 

Gaurav’s Response: Standing Firm Amid Noise

When asked about these speculations, Gaurav didn’t mince words. "First of all, these are their allegations; we shouldn't even cater to them. Today, in the age of social media, everybody is a keyboard warrior. I don't think I need to answer them. If they don't like me, fair enough. I am not God's gift to mankind that every person needs to like me. But I am happy that most people like me," Gaurav told India Today.

Calling Out the ‘Fake’ Label

Gaurav also addressed accusations that his personality on the show wasn’t authentic.

"If I were a fake, I would have woken up in the morning and dressed up in designer outfits, and put on makeup. I would have had a plan and played accordingly. I would have broken plates, worn saris, jewellery. I didn't do anything like that. I worked out in my slippers. I ate rice with my hands, and even kneaded dough," he said, stressing that he played the game just as he lives his life- simple and unfiltered. 

‘I Don’t Have So Much Money’: On Vote-Buying Rumours

Addressing questions about paid votes, Gaurav remained firm in his stance.

"I would wake up in the morning before the alarm would go off and have green tea in my glass. This was my fixed pattern, and this is how I live my life otherwise also. I really believe that if you are real, then you will connect with people's hearts. I don't have so much money that I could even think of doing something like this. I think if one mother, a brother, a child or an elderly person liked me, then I touched their hearts [and they voted for me]," he asserted.

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A Clean Image That Ultimately Worked

In a season dominated by controversies revolving around Tanya Mittal and Amaal Mallik,  Gaurav Khanna chose a quieter path. He consciously stayed away from drama, maintaining what he calls a “clean” image. And in the end, the strategy proved effective. As the curtains fell on Bigg Boss 19, Farrhana Bhatt secured the first runner-up spot, followed by Pranit More as the second runner-up- while Gaurav stood tall, trophy in hand.