Bollywood’s most popular actresses, Katrina Kaif, has spent more than two decades in the film industry and built an enviable career across genres. While she rose to stardom in Hindi cinema, not many know that Katrina also stepped into South Indian cinema early in her career—and her very first South film paired her with an actor 23 years senior to her.
From Hong Kong to Bollywood Debut
Born in British Hong Kong, Katrina Kaif came to India in the early 2000s with friends. During a fashion show in Mumbai, filmmaker Kaizad Gustad offered her a role in his film Boom.
Released in 2003, Boom featured Katrina alongside veteran stars Amitabh Bachchan, Gulshan Grover, and Jackie Shroff. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office, prompting Katrina to explore opportunities beyond Bollywood.
First South Indian Film: Malliswari
After her Hindi debut didn’t work out, Katrina turned to South Indian cinema. Her first South film was the Telugu romantic drama Malliswari, released in 2004. This was Katrina’s second film overall and marked her South debut.
In Malliswari, she starred opposite Telugu superstar Venkatesh Daggubati, who is 23 years older than her. Katrina, now 42, was just starting her career at the time, while Venkatesh is currently 65. Despite the age gap, the film performed well and helped Katrina gain visibility in the South.
Another South Film With Balakrishna
Katrina later appeared in another Telugu film, Allari Pidugu, alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna. Released in 2005, this marked her second and last major South Indian project before she shifted her full focus to Bollywood.
Successful Bollywood Journey
Over the years, Katrina Kaif cemented her place in Hindi cinema with hit films such as Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, Partner, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dhoom 3, Sooryavanshi, and the popular Tiger franchise. She was last seen in the film Merry Christmas.
Personal Life Update
Katrina married actor Vicky Kaushal in December 2021. In a joyful milestone, the actress embraced motherhood on November 7, 2025, when she gave birth to a son. Currently, Katrina is enjoying this new phase of her life away from the limelight.
