Till a few months ago, only the most dedicated of showbiz enthusiasts and reality TV watchers knew who Gauahar Khan was. That changed in November 2014 after the actress was slapped in public by a man who objected to the 'skimpy clothes' she wore.
Born on August 23, 1980, in Pune, Gauahar Khan was recruited into the world of glamour fairly young. In 2002, when she was 18, she participated in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant and placed fourth. The same year, she represented India in the Miss International pageant.
A career in television followed and Gauahar appeared in a couple of music videos, including the immensely popular Hawa Mein Udati Jaaye by Bombay Vikings (2002). She also anchored a popular gossip show called Page 3 on TV.
But it was reality television which gave Gauahar her ticket to fame. In 2009, she participated in the celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Season 3) and emerged as the first runner up. From 2011 to 2012, she appeared with her sister Nigaar Khan in the TV show The Khan Sisters which revolved around their life.
Gauahar's Bollywood career has been lukewarm so far, beginning with her debut in the 2003 film Miss India: The Mystery. She also appeared in an item song for Madhur Bhandarkar's film Aan: Men at Work (2004) and grabbed a meaty role in the 2009 Yash Raj Films production Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, starring Ranbir Kapoor.
In 2010, Gauahar was also cast in the lead role in stage musical Zangoora.
The incident left a deep impact on Gauahar who said she felt the pain of women who were morally policed.
"This loser doesn't represent my beautiful faith which in itself means peace and submission," Gauahar added while stating that she fully trusted the judicial system of the country.
Gauahar's attacker recently alleged that she paid him for slapping her in public. The actress has dismissed his claim as "ridiculous."
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