By Anil Merani: Nikki Tamboli’s ongoing jabs at Gaurav Khanna, even after the conclusion of Celebrity MasterChef in April 2025, have raised eyebrows and sparked debate about her true intentions. The cooking reality show, in which Khanna won the title and Tamboli was the first runner-up, was marked by their fiery exchanges that have spilled over into interviews and social media. Analyzing Tamboli’s career trajectory, the context of their conflict, and public reactions offers insights into whether she is seeking publicity to compensate for a lack of major projects or if deeper personal issues are at play.
During Celebrity MasterChef, Tamboli and Khanna’s clashes were a focal point, with her accusing him of stealing her ideas, slacking in team tasks, and mocking his emotional moments as “crybaby” behavior. Since the show wrapped, Tamboli has continued the feud, criticizing Khanna in interviews with outlets like Pinkvilla and BollywoodLife, labeling him “fake” and “arrogant,” and claiming he tried to dominate, citing off-camera tensions. In contrast, Khanna has downplayed the drama, insisting they were friends and attributing their flare-ups to the high-pressure environment of the show. This difference in perspective fuels speculation about Tamboli’s motives.
Several indicators suggest that Tamboli may be leveraging this conflict for publicity. A known figure from shows like Bigg Boss 14, Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, and Bigg Boss Marathi 5, she is a reality TV veteran who often thrives on controversy to maintain her relevance. Celebrity MasterChef was her latest platform, and as a runner-up, she gained considerable visibility. Unlike Khanna, who has a stable role in Anupamaa and a Rs 20 lakh prize, Tamboli currently lacks a high-profile project. Her pointed remarks, particularly in early May 2025 interviews, coincide with a quieter period in her career, indicating that she may be capitalizing on the lingering buzz from the show. By targeting Khanna, the winner, she ensures maximum attention due to his fanbase and media appeal. Her use of inflammatory phrases like “fakeness jyada” appears designed for headlines, a tactic consistent with her reality TV persona. Users on X, like @SiBelle_22, have accused her of “jealousy” and seeking “footage on his name,” reinforcing the perception that she is milking the feud for publicity.
However, seeking publicity may not be the only motive. Tamboli’s references to behind-the-scenes incidents and Khanna’s “dominating” attitude indicate genuine friction. The intense atmosphere of MasterChef, with late-night rehearsals and cutthroat challenges, may have exacerbated their personal rifts, as Khanna noted that stress made everyone “triggered.” This high-pressure setting could have heightened their differences. Tamboli’s claim that their friendship soured due to disagreements suggests unresolved grievances, potentially intensified by her competitive nature. As the runner-up, she was close to winning but lost to Khanna’s standout dishes, like his honeycomb pavlova. This near miss might fuel her desire to challenge his victory, especially since she faced less scrutiny than Khanna, who endured allegations of copying dessert ideas.
Tamboli’s outspoken persona, cultivated through various reality shows, might also explain her tactics. Her fans on X appreciate her bluntness, and targeting Khanna may reflect her desire to reinforce her “no-nonsense” brand rather than simply seeking clout. Nonetheless, the absence of a major project to promote tips the narrative toward a focus on publicity. With no new ventures to shift attention, prolonging the MasterChef saga helps her remain relevant. The potential impact of this feud on her career is significant. While personal tensions likely contribute, her strategic timing and choice of target suggest that she is intentionally stoking the fire to ride the publicity wave. Whether this strategy sustains her career or alienates fans will depend on her next moves..