Gauri Khan

2.1. Early life and education

Gauri Chhibber was born on 8 October 1970, in New Delhi, India. She was raised in the suburban area of Panchsheel Park, Delhi. For her schooling, she attended Loreto Convent School and completed her high school education at Modern School Vasant Vihar in New Delhi. She further pursued her academic interests, graduating from Lady Shri Ram College with a B.A. (Hons.) in history. Additionally, she expanded her creative skills by completing a six-month course in fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and acquired tailoring expertise, influenced by her father's involvement in the garment business.

2.2. Family background

Gauri Khan hails from a Punjabi Hindu family, with her parents being Savita and Colonel Ramesh Chandra Chhibber. Her family originates from Hoshiarpur. The Korean source notes that she belongs to the highest caste of Brahmins in India. Her father, Ramesh Chandra Chhibber, had a background in the garment business, which also contributed to Gauri's early exposure to tailoring and design.

3.1. Film production

In 2002, Gauri Khan, alongside her husband Shah Rukh Khan, established Red Chillies Entertainment, a prominent film production and distribution company. This venture evolved from their earlier production house, Dreamz Unlimited, which was founded in 1999 and subsequently became defunct. As co-chairperson and the main producer, Khan oversees all films produced under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner. Her first production was Main Hoon Na (2004), which also marked Farah Khan's directorial debut. The film achieved significant box office success, becoming the second highest-grossing film of its release year. Gauri Khan also made a cameo appearance in the end credits of one of her produced films, Om Shanti Om (2007), and later in Happy New Year (2014).

3.2. Interior and fashion design

Gauri Khan's foray into interior design began as a personal hobby, sparked by the renovation of her own bungalow in Bandra, named Mannat at Siraj Dokadia Road. This residence has since become a notable tourist attraction and a heritage building protected from demolition due to its significance to the townscape. In 2010, she formally launched her professional career in interior design, partnering with her close friend and fellow interior designer Sussanne Khan to collaborate on exclusive projects. Their initial commercial collaboration took place in Vadodara in the same year. In 2011, Gauri and Sussanne further solidified their partnership by launching *The Charcoal Project* foundation in Mumbai.

In early 2014, Gauri Khan inaugurated her first concept store, The Design Cell, situated in Worli, Mumbai. The store showcases a curated selection of furniture, including pieces designed by Khan herself, alongside works by various other Indian designers. Her design prowess gained international recognition when she was invited to exhibit her designs at the prestigious Maison et Objet show in Paris in 2016.

August 2017 marked the launch of her dedicated design studio, Gauri Khan Designs, spanning over 8.70 K ft² in Juhu, Mumbai. Khan's work in interior design is characterized by collaborations with renowned international artists, such as Roberto Cavalli and Ralph Lauren, particularly for home accessories. In a 2017 interview with Vogue India, she reflected on her design philosophy, stating that her work is deeply influenced by her extensive travels across India and the globe, where she takes a keen interest in the architecture of various places. Her excellence in the field of interior design was officially recognized in 2018 when she received the 'Excellence in Design Award' at the Hello! Hall of Fame Awards. In 2017, Gauri Khan also curated a specialized collection of designer lights for TISVA, a premium home decorative lighting brand under Usha International Limited, featuring smart-control magnetic systems that were introduced in India for the first time.

Beyond interior design, Gauri Khan has also ventured into fashion design. In 2016, she designed a fashion collection titled 'Cocktails and Dreams' for the Indian fashion brand Satya Paul.

3.3. Media presence and public image

Despite her high-profile status as a film producer and designer, Gauri Khan is known for maintaining a relatively low profile and is often described as media shy. However, she is frequently cited as one of the most stylish women in Bollywood. Her fashion influence has led to appearances on the covers of prominent lifestyle magazines. She graced the cover of the popular Indian lifestyle magazine Vogue India in January 2008, with photographs taken by British lifestyle photographer Chris Craymer. The magazine notably referred to her as the "First Lady of Bollywood." She made another cover appearance for Vogue India in April 2012, this time alongside Sussanne Khan. Demonstrating her style icon status, she also walked the ramp with her husband for filmmaker-turned-fashion designer Karan Johar at the HDIL India Couture Week in 2009. In 2008, Gauri Khan appeared in a television and print advertisement campaign for the home furnishings brand D'decor, featuring alongside her husband, where the couple portrayed themselves. Her public image is managed by Bottomline Media, with close confidante and friend Tanaaz Bhatia assisting from New York City.

4.1. Relationship with Shah Rukh Khan

Gauri first met Shah Rukh Khan in 1984 in Delhi, several years before his illustrious career in Bollywood began. Their courtship led to their marriage on 25 October 1991, in a traditional Hindu wedding. Their enduring relationship has been a subject of public interest and admiration.

4.2. Children

Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan are parents to three children. Their elder son, Aryan, was born in 1997, followed by their daughter, Suhana, in 2000. In 2013, the couple welcomed their third child, a son named AbRam, who was born via a surrogate mother.

4.3. Religious background and family life

Their marriage is notable for its inter-religious nature, with Gauri being a Hindu and Shah Rukh Khan being a Muslim. Despite their differing faiths, their family life reflects a harmonious blend of both Hindu and Islamic traditions. According to Shah Rukh Khan, while he adheres to the religion of Islam, he holds deep respect for his wife's religion. At their home, the Qur'an is placed alongside Hindu deities, symbolizing their family's inclusive approach to religious observance and cultural integration.

5.1. Awards and honors

In 2018, Gauri Khan was honored with the 'Excellence in Design Award' at the prestigious Hello! Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing her significant achievements in the field of interior design. That same year, her influence and standing in the business world were acknowledged when she was named one of Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women", a testament to her entrepreneurial success and impact.

6.1. As producer

6.2. Television