Contents
Katrina Kaif is a British actress. She primarily works in the Hindi cinema and is considered one of the highest-paid Bollywood actresses.
Wiki/Biography
Katrina Kaif was born Katrina Turquotte on Saturday, 16 July 1983 (age 40 years; as of 2023) in Hong Kong. Her zodiac sign is Cancer. She grew up in London, United Kingdom. When she was young, she travelled a lot with her family. They lived in various countries including China, Japan, France, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, and other European countries after she was born in Hong Kong.
A childhood picture of Katrina Kaif
Later, they moved to Hawaii. At 14, they settled in her mother’s home country, England, for more than three years.
A teenage Katrina Kaif posing with her mother
Her mother’s philanthropic duties led her to distant locations, and the children, including Katrina, accompanied her, primarily receiving homeschooling from various tutors. Thereafter, Katrina pursued some correspondence courses.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 60 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Figure Measurements (approx.): 36-28-36
Family
Parents & Siblings
Her father, Mohammed Kaif, is a British businessman.
A picture of Katrina Kaif’s father, Mohammed Kaif
Her mother, Suzanne Turquotte, is an English lawyer and charity worker. Suzanne Turquotte runs a charitable trust named Relief Projects India that works to prevent female infanticide and rescues abandoned baby girls. Katrina’s parents divorced when she was a child.
A Teenage Picture of Katrina Kaif
Her father relocated to the United States after his divorce. Katrina Kaif once mentioned in a media conversation that her father had no influence on her or her siblings during their upbringing, and their mother raised them. She added that she was not in contact with her father since childhood.
Katrina Kaif with her mother, Suzanne Turquotte
Katrina Kaif has an elder brother named Sebastien Laurent Michel who works as a model in London. She has three elder sisters named Stephanie, Christine, and Natasha, and three younger sisters named Melissa, Sonia Turcotte, and Isabelle. Isabelle is a model and actress
Katrina Kaif with her sisters and brother
Husband
On 9 December 2021, Katrina Kaif got married to Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s wedding photo
Relationships/Affairs
Earlier, she had an affair with Bollywood actor Salman Khan but their relationship ended in 2010. After that, Katrina Kaif was in a relationship with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.
Katrina Kaif with Salman Khan
Katrina Kaif with Ranbir Kapoor
Before getting married to Vicky Kaushal in December 2021, she had dated the actor for a long time.
Religious Views
Her father is a Muslim while her mother is a Christian. However, Katrina Kaif once mentioned in a media conversation that she could follow any faith of her choice as she believed in God. She said that she had a temple at her home. Although she did not perform rituals, she occasionally lit a lamp. According to a media article in 2009, she often visited Siddhivinayak Temple, Mount Mary Church, and Sufi shrine Ajmer Sharif Dargah before the release of her films.
Katrina Kaif with her husband, Vicky Kaushal, during their visit to Siddhivinayak temple
Autograph
An autograph by Katrina Kaif
Career
Modelling
At the age of 14, Katrina Kaif won a beauty contest which was held in Hawaii. She then received her first modelling assignment for a jewellery commercial. Thereafter, she began modelling professionally in London, working with some freelance agencies and frequently appearing at the London Fashion Week. Meanwhile, she also visited India for modelling projects.
A teenage Katrina Kaif
While working in the film Boom in 2003, Katrina Kaif walked the ramp for the fashion designer Rohit Bal at the India Fashion Week and was featured in the Kingfisher Calendar.
Katrina Kaif on the Kingfisher calendar in 2003
Thereafter, she endorsed brands like Coca-Cola, LG, Fevicol, and Samsung on television and built a successful modelling career in India.
Katrina Kaif in a still from a Coca-Cola advertisement in 2003
Films
Hindi
At one of her fashion shows, Katrina Kaif was noticed by filmmaker Kaizad Gustad who cast her in his film Boom in 2003 which was her Bollywood debut. The film failed at the box office; reportedly, due to her poor command of Hindi.
Katrina Kaif and Gulshan Grover while promoting the film Boom
In 2003, director Mahesh Bhatt replaced Katrina Kaif with actress Tara Sharma in his film Saaya due to Katrina’s poor Hindi speaking skills. In 2005, Katrina Kaif played Abhishek Bachchan‘s girlfriend in the film Sarkar, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
Katrina Kaif in the film Sarkar (2005)
In the same year, she was featured alongside Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen, and Sohail Khan in the film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?
In 2006, Katrina Kaif starred in Raj Kanwar’s film ‘Humko Deewana Kar Gaye’ with Akshay Kumar. A critic from Sify said that Kaif did her role decently in the film but was overshadowed by her supporting actresses.
Katrina Kaif in the film Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006)
In 2007, Katrina Kaif emphasized during a media conversation that her portrayal of Jasmeet Malhotra Singh (Jazz) in the film Namastey London was her first major role. After the release of the film, critics had mixed views on the film, but Kaif’s performance was praised, especially her chemistry with Akshay Kumar.
Katrina Kaif in a still from the film Namastey London
She was then praised for her roles in the films Apne (2007), Partner (2007), and Welcome (2007), although the latter received negative reviews.
Katrina Kaif in the film Welcome (2007)
Katrina Kaif then continued to gain recognition in 2008 with the Hindi films Race and Singh Is Kinng, but her film Yuvvraaj alongside Salman Khan was a box-office failure.
Katrina Kaif in the film Yuvvraaj
From 2009 to 2013, she sought more lead roles. She starred in the films New York, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Raajneeti, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Ek Tha Tiger, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. These films earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Katrina Kaif in a still from the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan
In 2014, Kaif appeared in the film Bang Bang! and continued to work in films like Phantom, Fitoor, Baar Baar Dekho, Jagga Jasoos, Tiger Zinda Hai, Thugs of Hindostan, and Zero until 2018.
Katrina Kaif in the film Tiger Zinda Hai
While some films were commercially successful, others faced box-office failures. Despite ups and downs, Kaif received praise for her performances, especially in the film Zero, where she won awards for Best Supporting Actress.
Katrina Kaif in the film Zero
Katrina Kaif then went on to work in many Hindi films such as Bharat (2019), Sooryavanshi (2021), Tiger 3 (2023), and Merry Christmas (2024).
Katrina Kaif as ‘Maria’ in Merry Christmas
Telugu
After facing setbacks in her initial Bollywood project, Katrina Kaif found success in the Telugu film “Malliswari” in 2004.
Katrina Kaif on the poster of the film Malliswari (2004)
In 2005, she appeared in her second Telugu film, Allari Pidugu.
Katrina Kaif on the poster of the film Allari Pidugu (2005)
Malayalam
In 2006, Katrina Kaif appeared alongside Mammootty in the crime thriller film Balram vs. Tharadas.
Katrina Kaif in a still from the film Balram vs. Tharadas
Music Video
In 2010, Katrina Kaif, along with popular musician A. R. Rahman, released a music album Rhyme Skool to raise funds for a new school in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Katrina Kaif during the launch of ‘Rhyme Skool’ music CD
Social Work
Katrina Kaif supports various causes and charitable organizations and keeps a low profile about her philanthropy. She is actively involved with Relief Projects India, her mother’s charitable trust, which helps underprivileged children with education, orphan rehabilitation, and preventing female infanticide.
Katrina Kaif at Relief Projects India
She regularly donates a portion of her earnings annually and contributes her game show winnings to her mother’s Mercy Home orphanage.
Katrina Kaif at Claretian Mercy Home
Katrina Kaif often donates clothes and belongings to support a prenatal care unit. She advocates for gender equality, domestic violence awareness, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing education’s role. She supports LGBT rights, cancer awareness, and children’s education.
Katrina Kaif at a cancer awareness campaign
In 2011, she collaborated with the UNODC to combat human trafficking and appeared on NDTV’s Jai Jawan program.
Katrina Kaif at NDTV’s Jai Jawan program in 2011
Katrina Kaif frequently participates in charity events like Being Human fashion shows and serves as an ambassador for organizations like Educate Girls.
Katrina Kaif while walking the ramp at the Being Human fashion show
She launched #Kare initiatives for social causes under her cosmetics brand, Kay.
Katrina Kaif while promoting her beauty products for a social cause
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Katrina Kaif donated to relief funds and supported small businesses in the film industry.
Controversies
Katrina’s Early Films
Before rising to stardom, Katrina Kaif appeared in films such as Boom, which were considered to be of B-grade quality.
Alleged Assault
Katrina Kaif allegedly faced physical assault during her relationship with Salman Khan. Reports suggest she was slapped by him at a restaurant and allegedly hit with a stick or belt on the sets of the film Ek Tha Tiger over the length of her skirt.
Leaked Private Pictures
Her private pictures with her ex-boyfriend and actor Ranbir Kapoor leaked on the internet while they were together on a trip to Ibiza in 2013. Kaif later wrote an open letter to the media, expressing her disturbance about leaked holiday photos.
Katrina and Ranbir’s leaked pictures
Religious Controversy
During the shooting of the film Namastey London (2007), Katrina visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah by wearing a knee-length dress which hurt the religious sentiments of people.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
2006
- Breakthrough Performance (Female) for Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? at Stardust Awards
2008
- Style Icon of the Year at Star Guild Awards
- British Indian Actor Award at Zee Cine Awards
- Style Diva of the Year at the International Indian Film Academy Awards
2010
- Entertainer of the Year for the film New York at Screen Awards
- Best Actress (Popular) for the film New York and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani at Stardust Awards
- Star of the Year (Female) for the film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani at Stardust Awards
2011
- Best Actress (Popular Choice) for the films Raajneeti and Tees Maar Khan at Screen Awards
- Hindustan Times Reader’s Choice Entertainer Of The Year Award at Star Guild Awards
- Best Actress in a Comedy or Romance for the film Tees Maar Khan at Stardust Awards
- Most Profitable Actress for the films Raajneeti and Tees Maar Khan by ETC Bollywood Business Awards
- Entertainer of the Year for the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara by NDTV Indian of the Year
- Best Actress for the film Rajneeti at Lions Gold Awards
2012
- British Indian Actor Award at Zee Cine Awards
- Most Entertaining Actor in a Romantic Film(Female) and Best On-Screen Jodi (shared with Shah Rukh Khan) for the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan at BIG Star Entertainment Awards
2013
- Best Actress (Popular Choice) for the films Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan at Screen Awards
- International Icon Female Award at Zee Cine Awards
- Most Profitable Actress for the films Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan by ETC Bollywood Business Awards
- Favourite Movie Actress for the film Ek Tha Tiger by People’s Choice Awards India
2018
- Best Real Star On Social Media at Screen Awards
2019
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) for the film Zero at Zee Cine Awards
Car Collection
Katrina Kaif owns an Audi Q7, Audi Q3, and Land Rover Range Rover Vogue LWB.
Katrina Kaif with her Audi Q7
Katrina Kaif with her Land Rover Range Rover Vogue LWB
Favourites
- Food: Curd Rice, Dosa, Turai ki Sabji (Chinese okra), Phool Gobhi ki Sabji (cauliflower), Broccoli Soup
- Actor(s): Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Pattinson, Johnny Depp, Hrithik Roshan
- Travelling Destination(s): Havana, Spain, Italy, Dubai, London
- Colour(s): Mauve, White, Pink
Facts/Trivia
- She also goes by the names Kat, Katz, Katy, and Sambo.
- Katrina Kaif’s mother, Suzanne, had a significant influence on her. Suzanne, a multilingual lawyer proficient in five languages, quit her legal career to dedicate herself entirely to global charitable endeavours.
- At 14, she received her first modelling assignment in Hawaii.
- The producer of the film Boom, Ayesha Shroff, suggested changing her name from Katrina Turquotte to Katrina Kaif because she thought it would be easier to pronounce.
- After the release of the film Boom, she faced criticism due to her poor Hindi skills and thick British accent. Thus, filmmakers were reluctant to cast her in their films.
- Thereafter, Katrina Kaif started taking Hindi classes to improve her language.
- After joining the Indian entertainment industry, Katrina Kaif collaborated with photographer Atul Kasbekar for a period and appeared in advertisements for brands like Fevicol and Lakme.
Katrina Kaif in a still from the Fevicol commercial
- In 2004, Katrina Kaif received Rs. 7.5 million as remuneration for the Telugu film Malliswari, making it the highest salary ever for a South Indian actress at that time.
- Emilio Pucci, an Italian fashion designer, gifted her a silver dress valued at Rs. 2 lakh, which she wore in the Bollywood movie Welcome (2007).
- Until 2008, her voice was often dubbed due to her lack of fluency in Hindi and other Indian languages. While her films were financially successful, critics noted she played unimportant roles in male-dominated movies.
- Once, during a media conversation, Katrina Kaif defended her choice of roles, stating she did not need to look simple to prove her acting skills.
- In 2008, she participated in Shah Rukh Khan‘s ‘Temptations Reloaded’ world concert tour.
Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif while performing during the Temptation Reloaded concert
- In 2008, 2009, and 2010, Katrina Kaif was the most searched Indian celebrity on Google.
- While dating actor Ranbir Kapoor, he nicknamed her Sambo, inspired by her successful climb up a 200-foot ladder in the film “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” (2009).
- The 2009 film New York was her first film in which her voice was not dubbed.
Katrina Kaif in the film New York
- She does not drink alcohol. Once, during a media conversation, she shared that she did not battle with alcoholism. She said,
Fortunately I don’t battle with alcoholism. It’s a fortunate thing, I am blessed with that. It doesn’t work too well for me.”
- She follows a non-vegetarian diet. Some of her favourite non-veg dishes include steamed fish, Yorkshire pudding, and lamb chops with salad.
- Once, during a media conversation, Katrina Kaif shared that if she was not an actress, she might have become the Secretary of State or the Lord Protector of England.
- Katrina Kaif is the first Bollywood actress to have a Barbie doll crafted in her image.
Katrina Kaif (left) and a Barbie doll crafted in her image
- In her free time, she likes to do painting, play chess, and watch cricket.
Katrina Kaif while painting
- Katrina Kaif hates stuffed toys. She wakes up at 6 a.m. and regularly does yoga and swimming. She is afraid of the dark and insects. While at home, she likes to wear her pair of shorts.