Known for his work in TV shows like Anupamaa, Bhabhi and Kumkum, Gaurav Khanna has recently been exploring a lot of reality television with shows such as MasterChef and Bigg Boss. He will next be seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi. When asked about doing reality shows back-to-back, he says it was never part of a plan. “I wasn’t planning it that way. Things just happened. I’ve always been like that in my career. I just try to ensure that whatever I do today is different from what I did yesterday,” he adds.Reflecting on whether reality television came late in his career, he says, “I was just thinking the other day that if I had got this opportunity 10-15 years ago, I would have been smooth as butter. But I also believe that whatever happens at a particular time happens for a reason.” Having spent nearly two decades in the industry, does he feel he is finally getting his due? “Not due as such. I feel it’s a cycle. Right now, the cycle is moving in the right direction, but I’m very realistic. Things won’t be the same every time,” he says.His approach to success and failure remains measured. “I never get too happy with success, and I don’t get too perturbed by failures. In fact, failures keep you grounded. That’s where stability happens,” he shares. Despite his recent reality TV outings, Gaurav insists the actor in him remains intact. “I am an actor at heart, and I always will be. I’m open to TV, OTT — anything. I love doing television, and I’m not someone who works for a few days and then sits at home. The actor in me is always working; it’s constantly observing, learning and absorbing things subconsciously. Right now, reality shows are coming my way, so I’m doing them. And in many ways, they help me grow as an actor too,” he says.