Zinta was born into a family from Rohru in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an officer in the Indian Army.

She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu,Punjabi and English language films.

After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se.. in 1998 followed by a role in Soldier the same year.

Zinta received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2003 for her performance in the romantic drama Kal Ho Naa Ho.

In addition to acting in films, Zinta has written a series of columns for BBC News Online South Asia.

She is a social activist, a television presenter, and a regular stage performer at the same time.

She is the founder of the production company PZNZ Media and, along with ex-boyfriend Ness Wadia, a co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Kings XI Punjab.

She is known in the Indian media for publicly speaking her mind and openly expressing her opinions, and consequently has sparked the occasional controversy.

On 29 February 2016, Zinta married her long-time American partner Gene Goodenough at a private ceremony in Los Angeles.

In 2010, Time magazine selected her as one of the candidates for its list of the world's 100 most influential people.

In 2003, Zinta appeared in the number one spot on Rediff's "Top Bollywood Female Stars".