Television actor and Celebrity MasterChef India winner Gaurav Khanna has stirred controversy inside the Bigg Boss 19 house after refusing to cook Indian food for fellow contestants, claiming he doesn’t know how to prepare it. The statement, made during a kitchen duty task, has triggered widespread speculation online, with Reddit users questioning the authenticity of the cooking reality show he previously won. The incident has added fuel to ongoing debates about scripting and performance in celebrity-led reality formats.
The clash unfolded during a routine kitchen assignment when house captain Kunickaa Sadanand asked Gaurav to take charge of meal preparation. His refusal, citing lack of knowledge in Indian cuisine, led to a reassignment of duties and sparked a wave of reactions both inside and outside the house.
Key Highlights From The Controversy
- Gaurav Khanna refused to cook Indian food in Bigg Boss 19, stating he doesn’t know how to make it
- The actor won Celebrity MasterChef India earlier this year, raising questions about his culinary credibility
- Reddit users called the cooking show scripted, citing inconsistencies in Gaurav’s statements
- Kunickaa reassigned Gaurav to washroom cleaning duties after his refusal
- The incident has reignited debates about authenticity in reality television
Inside The Bigg Boss House: Kitchen Task Turns Contentious
The kitchen task in Bigg Boss 19 quickly escalated into a flashpoint when Gaurav declined to cook, telling Kunickaa, “I don’t know how to make Indian food, so housemates will have to stay hungry.” His comment drew criticism from fellow contestants and viewers, especially given his recent win on Celebrity MasterChef India.
Kunickaa responded by assigning him to clean washrooms alongside Zeishaan Quadri, a move that further intensified house dynamics. Gaurav later defended his stance in a conversation with Mridul Tiwari, saying, “I didn’t do MasterChef for this show. People have already seen how much I know about cooking. Here, they’re supposed to see my personality.”
Reddit Reacts: Scripting Allegations Surface
1. A Reddit thread titled “Gaurav won MasterChef but can’t cook Indian food?” gained traction with thousands of comments
2. Users questioned the format and judging criteria of Celebrity MasterChef India
3. Some speculated that Gaurav’s win may have been performance-based rather than skill-based
4. Others defended him, suggesting that MasterChef challenges often focus on fusion or international cuisine
5. The debate reflects growing skepticism around celebrity reality shows and their editorial integrity
Public Sentiment And Viewer Backlash
The contradiction between Gaurav’s MasterChef title and his Bigg Boss kitchen refusal has sparked confusion and disappointment among fans. Social media platforms are flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief to sarcasm. While some viewers empathize with his desire to focus on gameplay, others feel misled by his earlier portrayal as a skilled cook.
The controversy has also prompted renewed scrutiny of reality show formats, with viewers demanding greater transparency in judging and contestant selection. Gaurav’s statement has inadvertently become a litmus test for how much reality is actually real in reality TV.
Gaurav’s Strategic Positioning In Bigg Boss
Despite the backlash, Gaurav appears unfazed and focused on his Bigg Boss journey. He has consistently maintained that he entered the show to compete, not to cook. His leadership during the kitchen task and his assertive stance have earned him both criticism and admiration from housemates.
His refusal to engage in cooking duties may be part of a broader strategy to highlight his personality and avoid being typecast based on past achievements. As the season progresses, his gameplay choices will likely continue to shape public perception.
Conclusion: Reality TV Faces A Reality Check
Gaurav Khanna’s kitchen controversy in Bigg Boss 19 has reignited questions about the authenticity of celebrity reality shows. Whether his refusal was a strategic move or a genuine limitation, the incident underscores the blurred lines between performance and personality in televised competition. As viewers demand more transparency, reality TV may need to rethink how it balances entertainment with credibility.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Mid-Day, News18, Indian Express
