Television actor Gaurav Khanna recently made a heartbreaking confession about a difficult phase in his career when he was labelled “panauti” (unlucky) and “unlucky” after several of his shows failed to perform. The actor, who is currently participating in Rohit Shetty’s reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, opened up about how this tag affected his confidence and cost him work opportunities.
Gaurav revealed that the fear of being seen as unlucky still stays with him even today. Whenever he goes for auditions, he worries that if a show does not work, people will once again blame him.
The actor, who gained massive popularity for his role as Anuj Kapadia in the hit television show Anupamaa, has had a long journey filled with both struggles and success. His recent revelation on the reality show has struck a chord with fans, who have come out in support of the actor.
The Painful ‘Panauti’ Tag That Haunted His Career
During a recent episode of Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, host Rohit Shetty introduced a unique twist. He confiscated the contestants’ mobile phones and brought some of their private conversations into the spotlight. One conversation that grabbed everyone’s attention was between Gaurav Khanna and his close friend, actor Hussain Kuwajerwala.
The chat revealed an emotional struggle that Gaurav had quietly carried throughout his television career. Speaking about that difficult period, Gaurav said:
“There was a phase in my career when I was labelled as unlucky because a few of my shows didn’t run for very long. What started as conversations behind closed doors slowly turned into rumours that if I was part of a show, it wouldn’t work, and I genuinely started losing work because of that.”
The actor explained how the tag became a heavy burden for him. He shared in the promo of the show:
“Ek tag lag gaya tha mere pe ki Gaurav ke shows nahi chalte. It’s a very heavy tag for an actor. Gaurav is unlucky; Gaurav panauti hai isse mat lo. Ek ladka apna sab kuch chodhke Mumbai mein reh raha hai, kaam dhoondh raha hai (I had this tag attached to me that Gaurav’s shows don’t work. It’s a very heavy tag for an actor. ‘Gaurav is unlucky, Gaurav is jinxed, don’t cast him.’ A guy leaves everything behind and lives in Mumbai, looking for work).”
Success And Failure Are Collective Efforts
Gaurav strongly believes that the success or failure of a television show is never the responsibility of just one actor. He called the experience heartbreaking because he always thought that a show’s outcome depends on the entire team’s effort.
“It was heartbreaking because I always believed that a show’s success or failure is a collective effort, not the responsibility of one actor. There were moments when I even questioned myself, but I never stopped believing in my work.”
The actor admitted that the rumours became so strong that he eventually started losing work because people believed he was “unlucky”. It was a painful period that made him doubt himself.
The Fear That Still Lingers
Even after achieving success and winning two major reality shows, Gaurav confessed that the fear of being labelled unlucky still bothers him.
“Jo bhi reason tha, jab bhi show chalte tha toh it was the credit of everybody else and when the shows tanked, it was always like Gaurav is unlucky, panauti hai. Woh mera fear hai, main koi bhi audition deta hoon mujhe aaj bhi lagta hai ki yaar, agar yeh show nahi chala toh again that medal they will give me ki yaar iske shows nahi chalte (Whatever the reason, whenever a show worked, the credit always went to everyone else, but when a show tanked, it was always, ‘Gaurav is unlucky, he’s jinxed.’ That’s my fear, even today, whenever I audition for something, I think, ‘What if this show doesn’t work? They’ll put that medal on me again — that Gaurav’s shows don’t work’).”
His admission about the fear of being perceived as unlucky reflects the personal battles that often remain hidden behind public success.
Hussain Kuwajerwala’s Message That Gave Him Strength
When Rohit Shetty unexpectedly brought up a message from Gaurav’s friend Hussain Kuwajerwala during the show, it reminded him of the struggles he had already overcome.
“He was simply reminding me that if I had survived much bigger challenges in life, I could definitely face these stunts. I’m glad that conversation happened because it lifted a burden I’d been carrying for years.”
Gaurav shared that speaking openly about his past finally helped him let go of a burden he had been carrying for years.
An Inspiring Message For Every Dreamer
Gaurav also shared a powerful message that many aspiring actors and anyone chasing a dream can relate to. He said:
“I also know I am not the only one; many actors from my generation have gone through similar experiences. One can never rise to the top by pushing others down. Pull yourself up instead of pulling others down, work hard, create your own place, and let your work speak for itself.”
His words served as a reminder that rumours may slow you down, but determination can never be defeated.
Fans Rally Behind Gaurav Khanna
Following the emotional revelation, many viewers praised Gaurav Khanna for his honesty and vulnerability. His confession showed that even successful actors battle insecurities behind the scenes.
Fans took to social media to express their support for the actor. One fan wrote, “You are not panauti, you are the true inspiration.” Another comment read, “Right now you are walking TRP wherever you go man. Hats off to you.” A third fan said, “You are superstar of Indian television, you are meant for bigger things.”
Instead of hiding his struggles, Gaurav chose to speak about them openly, proving that true courage is not just about performing dangerous stunts but also about confronting emotional scars.
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From Struggles To Stardom
Gaurav Khanna made his acting debut in the early 2000s and worked across several television shows, including Bhabhi, Kumkum, Love Ne Mila Di Jodi and CID. He rose to prominence with shows such as Jeevan Saathi, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam and Tere Bin.
Gaurav has spoken openly about the difficult phases of his career, recalling that during his early years, he often took on multiple shows and even slept in his car due to his hectic schedule.
His biggest breakthrough came with Anupamaa, in which he played Anuj Kapadia opposite Rupali Ganguly. The role transformed his career, giving him widespread popularity and a strong fan following.
After winning two reality shows, Celebrity MasterChef and Bigg Boss 19, Gaurav is now facing his fears on Rohit Shetty’s Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. The show airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM on Colors TV and streams online on JioHotstar.
Also Read: Harshad Chopda Opens Up About Lock Upp 2 Exit: ‘Did Not Want to Show My Emotional Side’
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