Katrina Kaif: “I Used To Be Conscious About The way I Looked As I Felt Like I Didn’t Fit In”

Read on for excerpts from the interview, where the actor talks about her life, her dreams, and her passions—namely, Bollywood, her incredibly successful beauty brand Kay Beauty, and finding balance and joy.

Nandini Bhalla: How has your definition of beauty evolved over the years?

KK: ‘‘That’s a very important question. I grew up thinking that there is just one kind of beauty—it was what you saw in the magazines, and if you didn’t conform to that, then you didn’t cut it. I used to be rather conscious about the way I looked because I felt like I didn’t quite fit in. Today, people might find that admission a bit strange, but back then, I felt that there were things about my features that were not ‘perfect’. I realise now that I was the one putting this pressure on myself. 

And because I know what it was like to feel that way, I personally chose the girls for the Kay Beauty campaigns. I am not searching for people who look ‘different’, I just realise that each and every person in the world is unique. There is no one type of beauty—no specific skin tone, or shape, or features...every single person is special and that is what I want to show. Because being confident about the way you look can be a tough thing, and it is such an important conversation for young women to have. For someone who might still be starting out, there can be such an inner struggle and sometimes, you just need to go out there and project yourself—be confident. That’s why Kay Beauty is so much more than just a beauty company. We are trying to create a community; a haven where you feel comfortable. When it comes to the product, we focus on the quality and performance. There is absolutely no messing around with that. But when it comes to the community we are building, it is all about expression and about having fun and being heard and being seen.’’ 

Credits: Photographs: Tarun Vishwa; Styling: Zunaili Malik;

Trench, Aniket Satam; necklace, Misho; Structured top, Amit Aggarwal; pants, Bloni

Artwork Courtesy: Himanshu Agrawal; Hair: Yianni Tsapatori at Faze Managememt; Make-Up: Maniasha at Faze Management; Production: P. Productions; Fashion Assistants: Humaira Lakdawala and Sneham Choudhary; Fashion Intern: Vrushali Sonawane

NB: Would you say you are a perfectionist? 

KK: ‘‘Yes, yes! Someone once told me—and I think it was Shah Rukh Khan—that ‘Better is the undoer of good’. In other words, sometimes you have to know when to stop, because chasing perfection is also an exhausting process, which does not allow you to let the moment unfold organically. Sometimes, you just need to let go. It is okay just to see how things turn out. Because I always have such a clear vision in my head, and I can be so persistent, that I don’t leave room on either side. I realised that I needed to be aware of this because I tend to strive so hard that I can be tough on those around me because I’m so tough on myself.’’

NB: What do people tend to get wrong about Katrina Kaif?

KK: ‘‘Probably the aloofness that we spoke about earlier... In reality, I am probably preoccupied with the thoughts in my head, likely stressing about something. 

Deep down, like really deep, I have a strong Cancerian energy. You know how they can be: home-and-friends people, and also quite shy, retiring creatures who go into their shells? So Cancerians can have a very misunderstood exterior; it is just that they have to feel safe and protected to be able to reveal their true selves.’’

NB: The word ‘ambitious’ is still sometimes seen as a dirty word when it comes to women. What are your views on this?

KK: ‘‘I think that attitude is changing... Let me rephrase it, I think purpose in life is the most important thing for any individual because purpose feeds your soul. Whether it is a goal at work, or a hobby, or something you aspire to do in life, like climb a mountain or travel the world... Whatever that purpose or pursuit or ambition is—it is important, because without it, you’d be aimless. 

But for me, what’s important is finding a balance between the pursuit of my dreams and being able to relax, to still be in the moment and allow myself to enjoy just being where I am. It is wonderful to achieve your goals, but you should also be able to sit back and enjoy your successes instead of hopping onto the next thing, you know?’’

Credits: Photographs: Tarun Vishwa; Styling: Zunaili Malik;

Trench, Aniket Satam; necklace, Misho; Structured top, Amit Aggarwal; pants, Bloni

Artwork Courtesy: Himanshu Agrawal; Hair: Yianni Tsapatori at Faze Managememt; Make-Up: Maniasha at Faze Management; Production: P. Productions; Fashion Assistants: Humaira Lakdawala and Sneham Choudhary; Fashion Intern: Vrushali SonawaneNB: What brings you happiness...true happiness in life?

KK: ‘It’s so important to actually know the answer to that. Happiness is when you are at peace and when you are centred. Of course, there can be a lot of joy in being busy and doing many things. But I am the happiest when I am peaceful, centred, and grounded...when I am in the moment and not planning something or thinking about the future.’’

NB: What does success mean to you?

KK: ‘‘Success, to me, means working in an industry or a job that you are passionate about. When you feel fulfilled and look forward to going to work everyday, that is success in its professional sense.And being successful at life means finding the right balance between enjoying your life and having ambitions and goals.’’