People Called Me 'Jinxed': Gaurav Khanna’s Journey from Rejection to Reinventing Himself with Rajan Shahi
Actor Gaurav Khanna reflects on overcoming industry labels, career setbacks, and how producer Rajan Shahi’s unshakeable faith in casting him as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa reshaped his life.
Actor Gaurav Khanna, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, winner of Bigg Boss 19, and contestant on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, recently opened up about the immense struggles he faced before reaching peak career success. Long before becoming one of Indian television's most beloved leading men, Khanna endured a difficult period marked by rejection, self-doubt, and a scarcity of acting opportunities.
Opening up during a personal task on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Khanna revealed that following a series of underperforming projects, industry insiders began labeling him as "jinxed." Each time a show failed to gain traction, the responsibility was subtly placed on him, making casting directors hesitant to offer him new projects and leaving his career at a standstill.
The turning point arrived when veteran producer Rajan Shahi, working under the banner Shahi Productions Pvt Ltd., decided to cast Khanna as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa. Despite receiving explicit warnings from several industry peers advising against hiring Khanna due to his supposed bad luck, Shahi chose to rely entirely on his own instincts and the actor’s evident sincerity.
Demonstrating complete trust in Khanna’s talent, Shahi finalized the role over a brief phone call and instructed him to join the set immediately. Khanna had already been actively shooting for over two weeks before Shahi even met him in person upon returning from a trip abroad. This bold act of faith proved to be a historic decision, as Khanna’s depiction of Anuj Kapadia resonated deeply with audiences across the globe, transforming the character into an overnight sensation.
Khanna has repeatedly expressed profound gratitude toward Rajan Shahi for taking a gamble on him when very few were willing to extend a hand. That pivotal role restored his standing in the entertainment industry and catalyzed a remarkable streak of achievements, leading to his triumph in Bigg Boss 19 and his daring stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.
