Gaurav Khanna has officially claimed the title of winner in the first-ever season of Celebrity MasterChef India. His journey, though celebrated, wasn’t without its share of turbulence. Allegations surfaced midway through the competition, accusing Gaurav of copying Swiss chef Dives Josh’s dessert. The chatter spread fast. But now, Gaurav has broken his silence, offering his calm and composed response.
In an exclusive interview with Times of India TV, Gaurav spoke about the controversy that clouded one of his most applauded performances. He seemed unfazed. “Honestly, I didn’t bother at all and was not affected,” he shared. The actor revealed that he focused solely on making the best dish possible. The reaction of the judges, especially their excitement, was all the validation he needed.
Gaurav elaborated on how his dish became a sensation. He explained that although people had their opinions and speculations, chef Vikas Khanna addressed the matter with a few Instagram stories. Gaurav called Vikas a symbol of national pride and appreciated how he stood up for him. Once the Michelin-starred chef shared his support online, the situation settled. Gaurav chose to remain silent throughout, refusing to feed the flames.
He recalled the complexity of the dessert he had created, calling it a feat he wasn’t sure he could accomplish. But somehow, he did. His dessert, presented in a wine glass, stood out for its elegant structure. With syrup cascading over a honeycomb-textured Pavlova, the visual alone stunned everyone on set. Chef Vikas Khanna was so moved by the presentation that he dropped his spoon in disbelief. His reaction, filled with applause, marked one of the most emotional highlights of the finale.
Gaurav, often seen as the underdog, admitted that this dessert had lived in his dreams. He had imagined such a moment, one where something extraordinary might happen. And it did. He noted that the ginger in the dish came through beautifully, lifting the flavor.
As an artist, he said, he tries to create with intention and lets the world interpret the rest. Gaurav also acknowledged that people are bound to draw comparisons, to say something is inspired or borrowed. But, in his eyes, the praise far outweighed the criticism. “The weight of positive things was much more,” he said, referring to the overwhelming support from viewers and judges.
When Vikas Khanna, a mentor figure to many, came forward to defend him, Gaurav felt no need to explain further. “When your guru Vikas Khanna is replying on your behalf, then chele ko bolne ki zarurat he nahi hai,” he stated with gratitude. The support he received from Vikas and others convinced him that his creation had made an impact.
Gaurav reflected on how everyone cooks the same dishes, like dal chawal, but it’s about presenting it differently, innovatively. For him, there’s no final word on creativity. He believes people should be allowed to do what they love, in the way they see fit.
At the end of it all, he stayed true to his path. “Honestly, I gave my 110 percent and I’m happy about that,” he concluded. Winning as an underdog made the journey even more rewarding for him.
