Birthday Special: What makes Katrina Kaif irreplaceable?

With her modelling experience and a tailored Hindi accent, Katrina Kaif created her niche after only 5 years in the industry. She was the most sought-after actress in 2011, leaving Kareena, Priyanka and Deepika behind. Today is Katrina Kaif‘s birthday, so let’s take a look back at her career.

Apparently, Katrina Kaif worked as a model before entering Bollywood. She revealed in a recent interview that when she was 14, she was approached for a jewellery campaign while living in Hawaii.

She then started and continued modelling after moving to London. Katrina Kaif was reportedly noticed by filmmaker Kaizad Gustad there and he offered her a role in his upcoming film Boom.

The movie, however, was a financial failure. Katrina Kaif then sought advice from Salman Khan, David Dhawan, and Sajid Nadiadwala. Having prepared her portfolio by Daboo Ratnani, the actor started landing modelling jobs. In addition to her work with Indian fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar, she appeared in several advertisements for major brands.

In 2004, Katrina Kaif starred in the Telegu blockbuster Malliswari opposite South Indian superstar Venkatesh.

Following her return to Bollywood, she appeared on the silver screen with Salman Khan and Susmita Sen in the 2005 film Maine Pyar Kyu Kiya. Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar was another movie in which she starred during this time.

In an interview, Katrina said she hired a Hindi tutor and took Kathak lessons from Priyanka Chopra’s guru. 

Critics lauded her performance in Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye, in which she appeared opposite Akshay Kumar. However, even this film didn’t do well at the box office.

The actress’ big break reportedly came with Vipul Shah’s 2007 release Namastey London, starring Akshay Kumar again.

The new pair seemed to be a hit with audiences. The Katrina-Akshay duo appeared in a number of successful films, including Namaste London, Welcome (both in 2007) and Singh is Kingg (2008). Being an Indian girl raised with English manners and customs, she was particularly appreciated in Namaste London.

While battling Hindi diction problems and the outsider label, she captured Bollywood audiences and worked with top-notch stars and filmmakers. Katrina Kaif, a model turned actress, says the industry only embraces talented individuals – regardless of their age.

She was making sure she got the visibility she needed being an ‘outsider’ in Bollywood with no backing. During this period, she also started coaching herself in Hindi, and in the years to come, she began dubbing herself.

For many, facing the spotlight is easy business; however, Katrina Kaif, who delivered six consecutive hits at one point in her career, finds it a challenge.

As she explained in an interview, “it is a difficult industry to get a job in. It’s not easy to work sometimes 14 to 15 hours a day on the set. It’s not always possible to take a break for lunch or dinner. A person is strained by it. Making movies requires passion. Therefore, you are welcome in the industry so long as you are passionate about it.”

As a runaway bride in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, an enthusiastic diving instructor in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and a young politician from a prominent family in Rajneeti (2010), she has portrayed a variety of roles.

Katrina has worked with Dharma Productions (she did a hugely successful special song Chikni Chameli in Agneepath) and Yash Raj Films (Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dhoom 3, Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai) and Salman Khan Productions (Bharat).

Zero, directed by Aanand L Rai and starring Shah Rukh Khan, did not do well at the box office, but she emerged unscathed as her performance as Babita could be considered the film’s high point. The role of Kumud Raina she played in Bharat was also appreciated. She is set to return to Akshay in Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi.

In 2019, Katrina launched her own makeup brand called Kay Beauty in Mumbai. Being described as India’s first celebrity beauty brand to come out of B-town, it was enough to trend on Twitter for hours and get a mention from Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Priyanka Chopra and even Amitabh Bachchan. 

Katrina is a force to be reckoned with among the female stars of Bollywood, being a stunningly beautiful personality, a glamorous celebrity with a sunny personality and a solid businesswoman.

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