Move over Anupamaa, there is a new lead role in Gaurav Khanna’s life—and it involves aprons, pressure cookers, and a whole lot of masala! The television heartthrob has just been crowned the winner of Celebrity MasterChef India’s first-ever season, and fans cannot stop cheering.

Winning the trophy (and a pretty sweet ₹20 lakh, plus fancy kitchen gadgets), Gaurav Khanna has proven that he is not just a star on screen, but also a master in the kitchen.

The show, which premiered on January 27 and wrapped on April 11, has been a spicy ride full of surprises, laughter, and more than one soggy bottom (yes, we are looking at you, honeycomb pavlova challenge). But Gaurav, with his quiet confidence and seriously sharp knife skills, managed to sail through each round with flair.

In the grand finale, the battle was nothing short of Bollywood-worthy drama. Facing off against finalists Nikki Tamboli, Tejasswi Prakash, Faisal Shaikh, and Rajiv Adatia, Gaurav brought not just flavour but feels. His signature dish, inspired by his roots in Kanpur, told a story that melted hearts before it even hit the judges’ palates.

Word has it that chef Sanjeev Kapoor, along with culinary powerhouses Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar, were visibly moved by Gaurav’s emotional journey and the depth he poured into his dish. The trio reportedly hugged him after the verdict was announced—yes, it was that wholesome.

The show was helmed by none other than Farah Khan, who brought the sass, spice, and signature zingers, guiding the celebrity contestants through laugh-out-loud moments and meltdowns alike.

Fan-favourites like Ayesha Jhulka, Usha Nadkarni, Archana Gautam, Dipika Kakar and Abhijeet Sawant also made their mark during the season, but it was Gaurav’s consistency and passion that stole the spotlight. From mastering technical bakes to acing fusion desi recipes, the man did it all—with a sprinkle of drama and a dash of heart.