Gaurav Khanna, the winner of Bigg Boss 19, has recently addressed the online criticism he faced during his time on the show, particularly regarding his cooking abilities. The actor was dubbed "Farzi Bawarchi" (fake cook) by some netizens, a label stemming from his prior win on "Celebrity MasterChef India" and his perceived reluctance to participate in cooking duties within the Bigg Boss house.
The controversy initially sparked when house captain Kunickaa asked Gaurav to assist with cooking, and he declined, stating his focus was on winning the competition, not cooking. This led to considerable backlash, with viewers questioning how a MasterChef winner could avoid kitchen duties on Bigg Boss. The criticism intensified on social media, with many deeming his "MasterChef" victory undeserved.
During one of the "Weekend Ka Vaar" episodes, host Farah Khan confronted Gaurav about his limited involvement in kitchen tasks, further fueling the debate. She sarcastically remarked on his "MasterChef" win and suggested he should at least help with chopping vegetables.
In response to the "Farzi Bawarchi" tag, Gaurav has now clarified his stance. "This is not a cooking show," he stated in a recent interview. He emphasized that "Bigg Boss" is a reality show focused on interpersonal dynamics and challenges, not culinary skills. He further explained that his "MasterChef" experience involved preparing a single, plated dish under guidance, which is significantly different from cooking daily meals for a large group in the "Bigg Boss" house without supervision.
Gaurav's team had previously issued a statement on social media defending him against the initial wave of criticism. The statement clarified the distinction between the two cooking environments, emphasizing that his "MasterChef" win was about determination and not necessarily about possessing extensive prior cooking skills.
The debate around Gaurav's cooking abilities also resurfaced during a heated argument with fellow contestant Farrhana Bhatt regarding leftover dal and cooking demands as the finale neared. Farrhana had requested Gaurav to cook fresh dal and sabzi, but Gaurav reminded her that the leftover dal needed to be finished first, highlighting the issue of food wastage in the house. This disagreement further divided fans, with many supporting Gaurav's practical stance.
Beyond the cooking controversies, Gaurav faced other challenges in the "Bigg Boss" house. In one instance, he lost his cool after a reporter called him a "fox disguised in a lion's skin" during a media interaction. Gaurav defended himself, asserting that winning the show doesn't require resorting to verbal abuse.
Despite the various controversies, Gaurav's calm demeanor and strategic gameplay earned him a significant fan base and ultimately led to his victory. He was admired for staying away from unnecessary fights and speaking only when necessary. He also formed a strong bond with fellow contestant Mridul Tiwari. Gaurav's journey in the house also revealed his life philosophy of making his loved ones proud. He shared his experiences of building a life in Mumbai from scratch and overcoming financial setbacks.
