"I Dream of Being Married" and 12 Other Things Katrina Kaif Told Cosmo

From the time of her debut to becoming a tour de force in Bollywood, actor Katrina Kaif has come a long way. Hers has been an unexpected journey, a career forged with talent, grit and spadefuls of hard work. Along the way, Katrina has given Cosmo India many interviews, dating back all the way back to 2002 when, at the turn of the century, she transitioned from a successful model to actor with her first film, Kaizad Gustad's Boom. The film may have bombed, but Katrina's career soared, and there has been no looking back for her ever since. To take you on a trip down memory lane, we share 12 times Katrina spoke to Cosmo about her childhood, love, beauty, work and more. 

What was Katrina like growing up?

In a 2002 Cosmo interview Katrina shared that she is the fifth-born in a brood of nine sisters and one brother “Till the time I turned 14, I used to clean up everybody’s
room.” Her uncluttered hotel room confirms her Clean-Bean status. “After that, I went completely wild,” she confessed with a dramatic toss of her hip-length mane.

What brought Katrina Kaif to Bollywood?

Curiosity brought this 19-year-old to Mumbai in the first place. “I said to myself, ‘I am half-Indian, and I have never been there, so I packed my bags,” says the happy wanderer. She’s had modelling since she was 13 and got her first break in Hawaii, with a campaign for a jewellery company. Two years, many assignments and a MsTeenage Hawaii title later, she kissed her roaring career goodbye when her mum relocated to England. But here too, there was no shortage of work, she’s even walked the ramps for two years at London Fashion Week. (Interview with Cosmo India, 2002) 

Katrina Kaif: Cosmo India Archives 

Katrina shares the secret to her lovely, voluminous hair.

"I take iron supplements—excellent for hair," she tells Cosmo in a 2004 interview. "I am also very picky about my shampoo and conditioner, they should suit my hair type."

What makes Katrina Kaif feel sexy?

"Go to the gym. Have confidence. And always keep yourself busy," says the actor.

Katrina Kaif's skincare rules.

“Skin care is very, very important to me. One must always keep the skin clean and no matter how bushed you are, you most certainly shouldn't go to bed without carrying out the cleansing/ moisturising procedure for your skin. It is utterly important to take care of your diet and be watchful about what you eat and when you eat it. These are the rituals that I follow strictly.” (Interview with Cosmo India, 2007).

Katrina Kaif: Cosmo India Archives 

Katrina Kaif's style secrets.

"Believe it or not, I don’t really have any style secret. I don’t quite think about the latest trends, but yes, I am very particular about what I wear. I don’t like anything over the top. I prefer my clothes to be very realistic and acceptable in the fashion and film world. Also, I travel a lot, so I get the best and latest international stuff. That makes me stylish, I think." (Interview with Cosmo India, 2007).

Katrina Kaif on Salman Khan, and the qualities she looks for in a man. 

When asked about Salman in a 2007 interview, Katrina replied that she didn't want to talk about him. So, what does the actor look for in a man? "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. Actually, I don’t think one can really define charm or even put a finger on what is charming about a guy. And it’s either there or not there. When you feel that a man has the presence of character, he comes across to me as someone with amazing sex appeal."

On being a Bollywood outsider.

"When I came to India, everyone was very kind, friendly and helpful to me," Katrina told Cosmo in 2008." I’m not denying that I haven’t done my share of visiting agencies for work in my initial days as a model. But what I liked was that everyone was incredibly welcoming. Ironically though, later it got difficult for me to be
here. I guess as you become more known and get written about, people have more presumptions about you; they have a different approach and are more apprehensive about coming to you. But overall, I can safely say, it hasn’t been too bad."

On facing the camera for the first time 

"Oh gosh! I felt like a babe in the woods – all wide-eyed with excitement and apprehension!" shares Katrina in the same 2008 interview. "You know, when you walk the ramp, the audience is in front of you, so you can tell whether they like you or not, you can gauge reactions and make variations. 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 apprehension."

Katrina Kaif: Cosmo India Archives 

Who does Katrina Kaif find hot?

"I think that of the current set of female actors onscreen, Kareena Kapoor is honestly the toughest act to match," admits Katrina. "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."

On being single.

"It’s simple really; I love what I do," Katrina told Cosmo in 2009. "It’s lonely sometimes, I mean you can’t make real friends easy, or the fact that I don’t really get much free time, but I’m ok with that. I know that now’s the time to focus on my career, so I just concentrate on my work. I try to relax sometimes, go play a bit of tennis, when I am too stressed, but otherwise, I deal."

Katrina Kaif on love and sex.

"Well, I think it’s all about your destiny," shares Katrina in the same interview." Some people get it right, and some people don’t. But there’s no point in envying other people or wanting an equation that someone else has. It’s about what you have, no point mooning away for more. But yes, I do like to keep my love life private." And what about sex? "What about it? Birds do it, bees do it, educated fleas do it! (laughs!). But I think love can definitely be platonic…"

Katrina's thoughts on marriage.

"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." (Cosmo India interview 2010).