Katrina Kaif, born on July 16, 1983, in British Hong Kong as Katrina Turquotte, is a British actress and model predominantly working in Hindi-language films. She has established herself as one of the highest-paid actresses in India and has received several accolades, including four Screen Awards and four Zee Cine Awards, along with three Filmfare nominations.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kaif was born to a British businessman of Kashmiri descent and an English lawyer and charity worker. She has seven siblings, including a sister, Isabel, who is also a model and actress. Due to her mother’s social work, the family moved across various countries, leading to Kaif and her siblings being home-schooled by tutors. At the age of 14, she won a beauty contest in Hawaii and began her modeling career with a jewelry campaign.
Her modeling work in London led to her discovery by filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who cast her in the 2003 film “Boom,” marking her Bollywood debut. However, the film was a commercial and critical failure. Undeterred, Kaif continued modeling and took Hindi and dance lessons to improve her prospects in Bollywood.
Breakthrough and Success in Bollywood
Kaif’s first major success came with the Telugu film “Malliswari” in 2004, where she played the titular princess. Her Bollywood breakthrough occurred in 2005 with the romantic comedy “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?” opposite Salman Khan, which was well-received and established her as a rising star.
In 2007, she starred in four successful films, including “Namastey London,” “Partner,” and “Welcome,” solidifying her position in the industry. Her performances in these films showcased her versatility and appeal to the audience.
Filmography and Box Office Performance
As of March 2025, Katrina Kaif has appeared in over 40 films across Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Here’s a detailed overview of her filmography, including box office performance and earnings:
| Year | Film Title | Role | Box Office Performance | Box Office Earnings (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Boom | Rina Kaif | Flop | N/A |
| 2004 | Malliswari (Telugu) | Malliswari | Hit | N/A |
| 2005 | Sarkar | Pooja | Hit | N/A |
| 2005 | Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? | Sonia Bharadwaj | Hit | N/A |
| 2005 | Allari Pidugu (Telugu) | Swathi | Flop | N/A |
| 2006 | Humko Deewana Kar Gaye | Jia Yashvardhan | Flop | N/A |
| 2006 | Balram vs. Tharadas (Malayalam) | Supriya Menon | Flop | N/A |
| 2007 | Namastey London | Jasmeet “Jazz” Malhotra | Hit | 71.25 |
| 2007 | Apne | Nandini | Average | 45.00 |
| 2007 | Partner | Priya | Hit | 138.00 |
| 2007 | Welcome | Sanjana | Hit | 119.50 |
| 2008 | Race | Sophia | Hit | 63.67 |
| 2008 | Singh Is Kinng | Sonia Singh | Hit | 136.00 |
| 2008 | Yuvvraaj | Anushka | Flop | 17.00 |
| 2009 | New York | Maya Shaikh | Hit | 61.00 |
| 2009 | Blue | Nikki | Flop | 48.00 |
| 2009 | Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani | Jennifer “Jenny” Pinto | Hit | 103.00 |
| 2009 | De Dana Dan | Anjali Kakkar | Average | 58.00 |
| 2010 | Raajneeti | Indu Pratap | Hit | 93.00 |
| 2010 | Tees Maar Khan | Aanya | Flop | 60.00 |
| 2011 | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | Laila | Hit | 153.00 |
| 2011 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Dimple Dixit | Average | 58.00 |
| 2012 | Agneepath | Chikni Chameli (Item Number) | Hit | 193.00 |
| 2012 | Ek Tha Tiger | Zoya | Hit | 320.00 |
| 2012 | Jab Tak Hai Jaan | Meera Thapar | Hit | 211.00 |
| 2013 | Dhoom 3 | Aaliya | Hit | 542.00 |
| 2014 | Bang Bang! | Harleen Sahni | Hit | 340.00 |
| 2015 | Phantom | Nawaz Mistry | Flop | 84.00 |
| 2016 | Fitoor | Firdaus | Flop | 19.28 |
| 2016 | Baar Baar Dekho | Diya Varma | Flop | 31.24 |
| 2017 | Jagga Jasoos | Shruti Sengupta | Flop | 54.16 |
| 2017 | Tiger Zinda Hai | Zoya | Hit | 565.00 |
| 2018 | Thugs of Hindostan | Suraiyya | Flop | 335.00 |
| 2018 | Zero | Babita Kumari | Flop | 186.00 |
| 2019 | Bharat | Kumud Raina | Hit | 325.58 |
| 2021 |
Katrina Kaif has emerged as one of the most successful actresses in Bollywood, transitioning from a modeling career to becoming a household name in the Indian film industry. Despite facing initial challenges due to language barriers and acting limitations, she worked tirelessly to improve her skills. Over the years, she has delivered numerous blockbuster films, earning immense popularity and critical acclaim.
With a career spanning over two decades, Katrina has worked with top actors and directors, proving her versatility across different genres. As she continues to take on new and exciting projects, fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming films, ensuring her place as a leading star in Bollywood. Her journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and constant self-improvement.
