Katrina Kaif (pronounced [k@|t.ri:na: |kE:f]; born Katrina Turquotte, also spelt Turcotte; 16 July 1983) is a British Indian film actress and model. She is primarily known for her work in Bollywood films, though has also appeared in Telugu and Malayalam films. In addition to being one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses, Kaif is cited in the media as one of India's most attractive celebrities.
Born in Hong Kong, Kaif and her family lived in numerous countries for varying lengths of time before she migrated to India. Kaif received her first modelling assignment as a teenager, and later pursued a career as a fashion model. During a show in London, Kaizad Gustad cast her in his film Boom (2003), a critical and commercial failure. While shooting for the picture in India, Kaif began receiving other assignments and soon established a successful career as a model, though filmmakers were hesitant to cast her due to her poor grasp of Hindi. After appearing in a successful Telugu film Malliswari (2004), she earned commercial success in Bollywood with the romantic comedies Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005) and Namastey London (2007), of which the latter garnered her praise for her performance. She followed with a series of financially successful male-centric films, but was criticised for having little to do in them.
A performance oriented role in the 2009 terrorism drama New York was more well received, earning her praise and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. She subsequently featured in more prominent roles in successful films like Raajneeti (2010), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Ek Tha Tiger (2012). She also featured briefly in the action thriller Dhoom 3 (2013), which emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics for her acting prowess, she has established herself as a commercially successful actress of Hindi cinema.