Gauahar Khan was born on August 23, 1983, in Pune, Maharashtra, to Zafar and Razia Khan. She is the youngest of five siblings and the sister of actress Nigaar Khan. Her father, Zafar Ahmed Khan, used to work in Japan and passed away in 2021.

Gauahar started her career as a model at the age of 18 when she participated in the Femina Miss India contest in 2002. She came fourth and won the Miss Talented title. Later that year, she represented India in the Miss International 2002 contest.

She made her acting debut in the 2009 Yash Raj Films production "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year". Gauahar later starred in films such as the action thriller "Game" (2011), the revenge drama "Ishaqzaade" (2012), the suspense thriller "Fever" (2016), the romantic comedy "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" (2017), and the Indian period drama "Begum Jaan" (2017).

In 2013, she participated in Bigg Boss 7 and emerged as the winner. Her career includes roles in Bollywood films as well as appearances on television reality shows.

Gauahar Khan is known for her fitness and follows a regular workout regimen. She loves to travel and hang out with her friends during her leisure time. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts and has been involved in various charitable activities.

In November 2020, she got engaged to actor Zaid Darbar, son of music director Ismail Darbar. The couple married on December 25, 2020. On May 10, 2023, she gave birth to a baby boy, named 'Zehaan'.

Gauahar Khan has received several awards for her work in the entertainment industry. Some of her notable awards include the Gold Award for Fittest Actor Female in 2014, the Kalaakar Award for Star Anchor for the Hindi TV show India’s Raw Star in 2015, and the Hindustan Times Most Stylish TV Personality Award in 2015.