Gaurav Khanna’s victory on Bigg Boss 19 has kept him in the spotlight, but away from the drama and glare of reality TV, it is his long-standing friendships that continue to draw attention.
One of those bonds was recently highlighted on Celebrity Masterchef India, where the actor opened up about the support he received during his early days in Mumbai.
A friendship that began on set
Years before the trophies and television fame, a young Gaurav arrived in Mumbai trying to make sense of a demanding industry. His first major breakthrough came with a TV show where he met Hussain Kuwajerwala, who played his on-screen father. That connection soon turned into something much deeper.
Gaurav recalled that Hussain not only guided him on set but also offered him a place to stay when money was tight. He often shared meals with Hussain’s family and credits those days for shaping both his craft and his confidence. He said he picked up many acting lessons simply by watching Hussain perform.
This bond was brought back into focus during the Celebrity Masterchef India pre-finale. With his parents unable to travel from Kanpur and his wife busy with work commitments, Gaurav expected to face the emotional family round alone. Instead, he was surprised when Hussain walked in to support him, leading to an emotional reunion on air. “Hussain is like family to me. He helped me when I had nothing,” Gaurav said during the episode.
Support that carried into his reality-TV journey
Gaurav’s friendships have often found attention on television. His bond with fellow contestant Mridul Tiwari was a major talking point throughout Bigg Boss 19, challenging the idea that rivals on reality shows cannot become genuine friends. Hussain, however, remains one of the earliest pillars of support in his personal and professional life.
A winning moment
The Bigg Boss 19 finale on December 7 ended with Gaurav lifting the trophy after a season filled with twists. Along with the title, he walked away with Rs50 Lakh. He later said the win belonged to the people who stood by him, especially his fans who kept him going through the season.
From sharing meals in a small Mumbai home to celebrating two major reality-show titles in one year, Gaurav’s journey reflects the value of steady support in a tough industry. His story with Hussain Kuwajerwala stands as a reminder that meaningful friendships do exist in showbiz, even when the cameras turn away.
