Gaurav Khanna REACTS to COPYING Swiss Chef's dish on Celebrity Master Chef: 'Chele ko bolne ki jarurat..'

Television actor Gaurav Khanna has emerged as the winner of the first season of Celebrity MasterChef India. Along with the golden trophy, he took home the iconic white coat and a cash prize of ?20 lakh. Known best for his role in Anupamaa, Gaurav showed an entirely different side of himself in the kitchen and won hearts throughout the season with his calm presence and dedication.However, his journey wasn’t entirely smooth. During one of the episodes, Gaurav was caught in a controversy where some viewers accused him of copying a dessert made by Swiss chef Dives Josh. The dish, which ended up being one of the most appreciated on the show, triggered a debate online. Now, after his win, Gaurav has finally addressed the issue in a chat with Times of India.

“Honestly, I didn’t bother at all and was not affected,” he said. “My job was to make the best dish for that particular episode, and the judges loved it. It became the talk of the town.”

He went on to express how grateful he was for the support of chef Vikas Khanna, one of the show’s judges. “Logon ne kaha ye hai woh hai to uska jawab toh khud chef Vikas Khanna ne de diya,” he said, adding that Vikas posted stories defending him, which helped calm things down.

Gaurav further shared his thoughts on the criticism and the love he received from fans. “The taste of ginger elevated. As an artist, I think only to a point and rest I leave to the world. Ab duniya waale jitne log bole woh inspired hai ye hai woh hai, par usse kayi zyada log uski tareef bhi toh kar rahe the. The weight of positive things was much more. When your guru Vikas Khanna is replying on your behalf, then chele ko bolne ki zarurat hi nahi hai.”

He added, “This in itself proves how much they were moved by the dish. They have been seeing this dish for so many years. Everyone makes dal chawal, can we cook it some other way? So there is no end to such arguments. Jisko jo accha lagta hai karne do. End of the day, honestly, I gave my 110 percent and I'm happy about that. People saw my efforts and an underdog like me won the show. I feel God has been kind.”

They have been seeing this dish for so many years. Everyone makes dal chawal, can we cook it some other way? So there is no end to such arguments. Jisko jo accha lagta hai karne do. End of the day, honestly, I gave my 110 percent and I'm happy about that. People saw my efforts and an underdog like me won the show. I feel God has been kind.

- Gaurav Khanna

From being seen as the underdog to taking home the title, Gaurav’s journey on Celebrity MasterChef India is an inspiring reminder that hard work, creativity, and calm confidence can take you a long way — even in the heat of the kitchen.