Katrina Kaif's Real Name: Katrina Turcotte
Katrina Kaif → Katrina Turcotte
Quick answer: Katrina Kaif was born Katrina Turcotte (also spelled Turquotte), taking her mother's surname, on July 16, 1983, in British Hong Kong. Her screen surname, Kaif, comes from her father, Mohammed Kaif.
Katrina Kaif's real name
Kaif's father is British businessman of Kashmiri descent Mohammed Kaif, and her mother, Suzanne Turquotte, is a British lawyer and charity worker. Her parents separated when she was young, and she grew up using her mother's surname. When she entered the Indian film industry, she adopted her father's surname, Kaif, partly because it was easier for audiences to pronounce (Filmfare). Sources spell her mother's surname both Turcotte and Turquotte.
Early life
Kaif is one of eight siblings. Because of her mother's charity work, the family moved often, living in countries including China, Japan, France, Switzerland, Poland and Belgium before settling in Hawaii and then London. She was largely home-schooled.
Modeling and Bollywood debut
Kaif began modeling as a teenager in London. Spotted at a fashion show, she was cast in the Indian film Boom (2003), which flopped. She moved to Mumbai and built her career, with an early Telugu hit in Malliswari (2004) and her first Hindi success in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005).
Box-office success
Kaif became one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses through hits such as Namastey London (2007), Singh Is Kinng (2008), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), Dhoom 3 (2013), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Tiger 3 (2023). She also starred in Merry Christmas (2024). The songs "Sheila Ki Jawani" and "Chikni Chameli" became huge dance hits.
Kay Beauty
In 2019 she launched the cosmetics brand Kay Beauty in partnership with retailer Nykaa.
Marriage and family
Kaif married actor Vicky Kaushal in December 2021 in Rajasthan. The couple welcomed a son in November 2025 and named him Vihaan (The Hindu).
FAQ
What is Katrina Kaif's real name?
She was born Katrina Turcotte (also spelled Turquotte), using her mother's surname.
Where was Katrina Kaif born?
In British Hong Kong, on July 16, 1983.
Why does Katrina Kaif use the name Kaif?
It is her father's surname, adopted for her Indian film career.
What was Katrina Kaif's first film?
*Boom* (2003).
Who is Katrina Kaif married to?
Actor Vicky Kaushal, since December 2021. Their son, Vihaan, was born in November 2025.