Katrina Kaif first expressed interest in a modelling career at the age of fourteen, when she won a beauty contest in Hawaii, and subsequently received her first assignment as a model—a jewellery campaign. She continued modelling in London, where she worked for various freelance agencies. She also featured regularly at the London Fashion Week. Her appearance at a fashion show attracted the attention of London-based filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who selected her for a role in the English / Hindi erotic heist film Boom, alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Amitabh Bachchan, Gulshan Grover, Jackie Shroff, Madhu Sapre and Padma Lakshmi. Whilst shooting for the film in India, Kaif began receiving other offers, and decided to stay in the country. She soon established a successful modelling career there after endorsing prominent brands like Coca-Cola, LG, Fevicol and Samsung. She also gained recognition after walking the ramp for Rohit Bal at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2003.
That she’s worked in the big league in the B’town, is an added advantage. She learnt a lot during the journey, “I have learnt so much from every film,” she says. “I worked with Akshay (Kumar) for the first time in 'Humko Diwana Kar Gaye'. That’s when I learnt how emotions should be projected. While in 'Partner' and 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya', I learnt the importance of comedy and being spontaneous, while delivering dialogues. 'Namaste London' saw me playing an important character for the first time.”
She continued, “With 'Race' I developed confidence, while performing in front of the cameras. I realised the importance of hard work. I also discovered what a difference it makes when I dance with exuberance.”
She added that “earlier, while performing dance numbers, I would get nervous, which is not the case now. By the time I did 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' and 'Meri Brother Ki Dulhan', I discovered I was getting comfortable with acting. However, with 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and 'Ek Tha Tiger' my star image also included acting. In 'Dhoom-3', I have attempted performing stunts too, which has helped me reach a different level.”
The actress said she can now vouch for her hard work. She went on, “As an actor, I have learnt to be disciplined. Yes! I can vouch for my hard work. I leave no stone unturned, and put in my most sincere and whole-hearted efforts. I don’t like to give a chance to anyone to feel that I am shirking work. If any character that I play, needs improvement, I work on it seriously until I succeed in giving my best.”
Katrina is one of the few actress who has worked with all the three Khans (Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh). “All three have very powerful personalities. All of them have worked hard to attain their position. They are still ruling the roost and to maintain this position they have to keep working even harder.”
She admits, “I share a different rapport with the three Khans. Salman has seen me grow as an actor, hence I feel most comfortable with him. He is one of the most important persons in my life.”
Katrina enjoys a fan following of both men and women. Men want their ideal woman to be like Kat. “I feel really happy to know that,” says the actress adding, “More than money and fame, I crave the love and respect of people.”
“I do not crave the number one position, simply because you may lose it, and at that point you may feel disheartened. I believe in working hard, putting my best foot forward and leaving the rest to God.”
