Celebrity Masterchef: Gaurav Khanna dedicates his dessert dish by naming it on his wife Akanksha Chamola; earns Ranveer Brar's knife

In a heartwarming and high-pressure episode of Celebrity MasterChef, actor Gaurav Khanna stole the show—not just with his culinary skills but with his emotional tribute to wife Akanksha Chamola. As the top five finalists tackled Chef Saransh Goila’s complex challenge, Gaurav delivered a dish that was as touching as it was technically brilliant.

The challenge pushed contestants—Tejasswi Prakash, Nikki Tamboli, Rajiv Adatia, Faisu, and Gaurav—to showcase technique and personal flair. With former contestants Abhijeet Sawant, Usha Nadkarni, and Archana Gautam cheering them on, the kitchen was buzzing with excitement and nerves.

Gaurav presented a stunning blueberry cake, which he lovingly named Akanksha. “I dedicate this to my wife Akanksha,” he said. “When we were dating, this was her favourite dessert. Meri akanksha hai ke meri Akanksha isko dekh ke khush ho jaye.” His heartfelt explanation won over not just the judges but the audience too.

Chef Ranveer Brar couldn’t contain his admiration. “The presentation of this dish is outstanding—out of this world, delicate, balanced, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and detailed,” he said, overwhelmed. He handed Gaurav his coveted knife, declaring, “It would have been unfair if this dish didn’t get my knife. Your dish will be remembered every season. That’s my guarantee.”

Fellow judge Farah Khan was so moved, she kissed Gaurav’s hands and forehead, while Vikas Khanna hailed it as “the most aesthetically pleasing dish in MasterChef history,” even doing a spoon drop in honor of the effort.

Reflecting on his journey, Gaurav said, “The guy whose first dish was called ‘not edible,’ to now… I didn’t stop trying.”

With this win, Gaurav becomes the second contestant after Tejasswi Prakash to earn Ranveer’s knife—securing his place not just in the competition, but in MasterChef legacy.