10 Interesting Facts About Katrina Kaif That You Didn't Know

The Sooryavanshi actor—who has completed nearly 20 years in the film industry—is a household name today, 40 movies later. But, you wouldn't believe, the 18-years ago Katrina Kaif is leaps and bounds different from the one you know in 2021.

"I felt like a babe in the woods, all wide-eyed with excitement and apprehension. The camera is a different ballgame. Even watching yourself on the monitor post-shot doesn’t prepare you for seeing yourself on the big screen. It’s an education, learning how to face the camera, giving it your best angles, yet performing realistically. And, since I didn’t know much of the above, there was a bit of ignorance and a lot of apprehensions," the star told Cosmo in an exclusive interview. 

Over the years, as she has risen to enjoy a prime position in Bollywood, we've indeed learnt a lot about her, both personally and professionally. Although, while you think you know all that there is to know, you probably don't. From being part of a women-dominated family to relishing local English cuisine and bagging her first modelling gig at the mere age of 14, we've rounded up some lesser-known facts about the celebrity.

 

7 Women in 1 Household

 

Katrina Kaif was born in Hong Kong to an English mother and a Kashmiri father and has five sisters! While some of you may know of Isabelle Kaif—who appeared alongside Sooraj Pancholi in Time to Dance (2021) on Netflix—Katrina has one more younger sister, three older sisters, and an older brother. Since her mother works with international NGOs and is required to travel the world, the family spent a nomadic life, moving from one place to another. 

 

Her First Job At 14 

 

The actor bagged her first modelling assignment at the age of 14, for a jewellery brand, after winning a beauty contest in Hawaii (where she resided at the time). She subsequently modelled professionally in London, working for freelance agencies and appearing regularly at London Fashion Week. Her stints in modelling included campaigns for La Senza and Arcadius as well. 

 

She is a Fan Of a Kapoor

 

In an interview with Cosmo, Katrina revealed, "I think that of the current set of female actors onscreen, Kareena Kapoor is honestly the toughest act to match. She has played some amazing roles, has never resorted to portraying herself in a demeaning manner, and is definitely a formidable force to reckon with." Katrina loves Poo, and so do the rest of us! Apart from Bebo, she also adores Madhuri Dixit Nene, Johnny Depp, Kajol, and Leonardo DiCaprio. 

 

Hobbies, Passions, and Favourite Foods

 

Apart from acting, Katrina Kaif enjoys dancing as well as music. Some of her favourite bands include Coldplay, Muse, and Radiohead. The celebrity also has a fondness for English cuisine, especially Yorkshire pudding. "I like English food for its natural flavours. Since I have also grown up eating it, I guess there's a deep connection," she said in an interview. Oh, and she's an avid chess player too. 

 

Her Real Last Name

 

Katrina Kaif was born with the last name 'Turquotte'. However, Boom (2003) producer Ayesha Shroff suggested that she change it to something simpler for the Indian audience to pronounce. Hence, Katrina 'Kaif' was born. The actor has also revealed that she doesn't like it when people call her by the nickname 'Kat'. "I don't know who coined this name." 

 

Her Superstitious Beliefs

 

Believe it or not, Katrina is fairly superstitious when it comes to success in her professional life. She is known to visit Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple, Mount Mary Church, and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah before the release of every film. Several Indian actors hold superstitious beliefs when it comes to their professional (and/or personal) lives. For instance, Salman Khan usually plans the release of his films around the festival of Eid. 

 

She's a Real Doll (No, Really)

 

Katrina Kaif is the first Bollywood actor to have a Barbie modelled after her, alongside international icons including Marilyn Monroe, Shakira, Audrey Hepburn, Heidi Klum, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 2009, she walked the ramp for Nishka Lulla at Lakmé Fashion Week, for the 'Barbie All Dolled Up' show, to celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday. On the same day, Mattel India, a toy-making company, presented the actor with a 'Katrina Kaif Barbie Doll'.

 

Her Deepest, Darkest Phobias

 

Like any other human being, Kat (sorry, Katrina) too, experiences irrational fears. She once confessed, "Well to be very honest, among all the other things, I fear the dark, and height, the most." 

 

A Madame Tussauds Wax Statue

 

The actor has a wax statue modelled after her at the Madame Tussauds in London. Katrina's statue was installed as part of the '15 years of Bollywood' celebration, in 2015. She reportedly has wax statues in three different locations around the world. 

 

Her Views on Love and Marriage

 

When asked what kind of a partner she is, during an interview with Cosmo, the actor said, "I'm very loving. And, I'm also reasonably demanding. Because being in a relationship means so much to me, I have a lot of expectations. Yet, I like my independence and would not lose my individuality. I give and need a lot of space as well." She also revealed that the five qualities she looks for in men are honesty, loyalty, confidence, humility, and an amazing sense of humour.

"I think a man’s sex appeal lies in his integrity and depth. What is also very attractive about a man is the way he presents himself. A guy’s intelligence is also extremely important. When you feel that a man has the presence of character, he comes across to me as someone with amazing sex appeal," she added. In 2020, when opening up about her views on marriage, she said, "It would be different for different people. But for me, it’s very important. I belong to that mindset where having a husband and children are very important. I dream of being married and having kids and living happily ever after. That’s me."