Actor Gaurav Khanna, winner of the inaugural season of Sony TV's Celebrity MasterChef, recently addressed allegations that he copied a dessert from Swiss chef Dives Josh. During an episode of the show, Khanna was accused by some viewers of replicating Josh’s “Honey Dripping Dessert.” However, Chef Vikas Khanna, one of the judges on the program, defended the actor against these claims. In a candid conversation during a podcast with Siddharth Kannan, Khanna discussed the matter openly, drawing parallels between culinary creativity and artistic emulation seen in the film industry. He also expressed gratitude toward Chef Vikas Khanna for supporting him during the controversy.
In his response to the accusations, Khanna explained that what some perceive as copying is often part of research and inspiration. During the podcast, he compared this process to legendary actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Raj Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan, who were reportedly inspired by other performers but still achieved greatness. “If great artists have drawn inspiration from others without diminishing their own value, why should my work be judged differently?” Khanna questioned. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of focusing on personal growth and achievement rather than external criticism.
Khanna highlighted how Chef Vikas Khanna played a pivotal role in quelling the debate over the alleged plagiarism. The renowned chef publicly praised Khanna’s creation, stating it demonstrated exceptional culinary talent. This endorsement effectively silenced detractors and reaffirmed Khanna’s dedication to mastering the art of cooking. Even Swiss chef Dives Josh acknowledged Khanna’s effort by sharing a positive reaction on social media.
The actor concluded by expressing pride in winning the competition, marking it as a significant milestone in his career. Celebrating his victory alongside Nikki Tamboli (runner-up) and Tejasswi Prakash (third place), Khanna reflected on the hard work and perseverance required to excel in such a high-stakes environment. His journey through Celebrity MasterChef not only showcased his passion for gastronomy but also proved his resilience amidst scrutiny.
Beyond addressing the controversy, Gaurav Khanna’s reflections underscored the broader theme of embracing influences while maintaining authenticity. By channeling inspiration into innovation, he successfully transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. As the first season of Celebrity MasterChef draws praise, Khanna remains committed to letting his achievements speak louder than any criticism.