Celebrity MasterChef: From judges refusing to taste his first dish to winning Ranveer Brar’s knife; Gaurav Khanna’s journey to becoming a finalist

Gaurav Khanna’s journey on Celebrity MasterChef has been nothing short of inspiring. From being a complete novice with dishes that weren’t even tasted to delivering culinary masterpieces that left judges speechless, his evolution as a chef and a person struck a chord with viewers. The actor brought not only innovation and creativity but also immense humility and emotional depth to the kitchen. As he reaches the finals, here’s a look at nine key moments that defined his unforgettable MasterChef journey.

Gaurav’s journey on Celebrity MasterChef began with a humble start. His very first dish, a brinjal preparation, was not well-received by the judges. Farah Khan’s refusal to even taste the dish was a pivotal moment for Gaurav. It was a reminder of how high the bar was in the competition. Despite the rejection, Gaurav remained determined, and this early setback only motivated him to improve. This first week, although tough, became the turning point that ignited his culinary passion.

In a recent episode, Gaurav revealed that he struggled with color blindness, which added a unique challenge to a fitness-based cooking challenge. Working with Kabita Singh, Gaurav faced difficulty distinguishing between similar colors, which affected their dish’s presentation. Despite this challenge, Gaurav stayed calm and delivered a delicious Thai Roast Chicken with Avocado Sauce. His openness about his condition and ability to adapt in such a high-pressure situation earned him respect from the judges and his fellow contestants.

As a finalist, Gaurav earned a significant advantage: 120 minutes to cook, plus the ability to deduct time from his competitors. Despite this, he made the noble decision not to use it. “It wouldn’t feel right to take time from others who’ve worked just as hard,” he explained. This selfless move showcased his sportsmanship and fairness, earning admiration from both the judges and fellow contestants. Gaurav’s choice to forgo his advantage reflected his integrity and respect for his competitors.

One of the standout moments in Gaurav’s journey came when he presented a stunning blueberry cake, which he dedicated to his wife, Akanksha. Chef Ranveer Brar was so impressed with the dish that he awarded Gaurav his coveted knife, calling it a “dish to be remembered every season.” The emotional reaction of the judges, including Farah Khan’s kiss and Vikas Khanna’s praise, was a powerful acknowledgment of Gaurav’s growth. This recognition marked a defining moment in his rise to culinary greatness.

In one of his most memorable moments, Gaurav presented a unique dessert—ginger-infused pavlova served in a wine glass, looking like a honeycomb. The dish was so intricate and visually stunning that even before tasting, the judges were left in awe. Vikas Khanna dropped his spoon, Ranveer Brar tapped his spoon, and Farah Khan blew a chef’s kiss. This rare trio of reactions was a testament to the creativity, complexity, and beauty of Gaurav’s dish, cementing his place in MasterChef history.

While Gaurav’s honeycomb pavlova was praised by the judges, it sparked a controversy when Swiss chef Dives Josh hinted that the dish was not original. He posted a promo with a smirking emoji, implying that Gaurav had copied the idea. Chef Vikas Khanna defended Gaurav, stating that meringue dripping cones have been around for decades, but the way Gaurav presented it was revolutionary. This episode illustrated how Gaurav’s creativity had a lasting impact on the culinary community, even sparking debates on originality.

Gaurav’s honeycomb pavlova became an iconic dish, remembered not just for its flavor but for its sheer creativity and presentation. The dish was elegantly presented in a wine glass, with syrup gracefully cascading over the pavlova shaped like a honeycomb. The use of ginger as a core ingredient added a unique twist. Judges, who were already wowed by its appearance, were further stunned by the dish’s complexity and taste, making it one of the standout moments of the season.

Gaurav’s emotional journey culminated in his being named one of the top five finalists of Celebrity MasterChef. In a high-pressure challenge, Gaurav presented a dish that was both technically brilliant and deeply personal—a blueberry cake dedicated to his wife, Akanksha. The judges were moved by the dish’s creativity and emotional significance, ultimately securing his place in the finale. This moment highlighted Gaurav’s ability to blend his personal experiences with his culinary passion.

Gaurav Khanna’s underdog-to-champion journey peaked as he won Celebrity MasterChef India 2025. In a thrilling finale, he claimed the title, Rs 20 lakh, a golden trophy, the MasterChef coat, and a Bosch kitchen upgrade. Competing with Nikki Tamboli, Tejasswi Prakash, Faisal Shaikh, and Rajiv Adatia, finalists crafted two-course meals showcasing their culinary evolution.