Katrina Kaif: Difference between revisions

{{short description|British actress and model}}

{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}

| caption            = Kaif promoting her film ''[[Bharat (film)|Bharat]]'' in 2019

| birth_place        = [[British Hong Kong]]

| nationality        = [[British people|British]]

| occupation        = {{hlist|[[Actor|Actress]]|[[Model (people)|model]]}}

'''Katrina Kaif''' ({{IPA-hns|kəˈʈriːna kɛːf|pron}}{{Listen}}; born '''Katrina Turquotte'''; 16 July 1983) is a British actress who primarily works in [[Hindi]]-language films.<ref name="citizen">{{cite news|last=Hafeez |first=Mateen |title=Working in Bollywood for years, but shy of citizenship? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Working-in-Bollywood-for-years-but-shy-of-citizenship/articleshow/6458769.cms?referral=PM |access-date=1 March 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=30 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117202653/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Working-in-Bollywood-for-years-but-shy-of-citizenship/articleshow/6458769.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=17 January 2016 }}</ref> She is one of the India's highest-paid actresses.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baksi|first=Dibyojyoti|date=25 March 2013|title=Katrina Kaif pays highest advance tax among Bollywood actresses|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/katrina-kaif-pays-highest-advance-tax-among-bollywood-actressses/story-gNuTMpoOiHifrBEH4Nk1TL.html|access-date=20 February 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Katrina Kaif - Forbes India Magazine|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile/katrina-kaif/1439/18|access-date=20 February 2020|website=Forbes India|language=en}}</ref> Her [[List of awards and nominations received by Katrina Kaif|accolades]] include four [[Filmfare Awards|Filmfare Award]] nominations.

Born in [[British Hong Kong|Hong Kong]], Kaif lived in several countries before she moved to [[London]]. She received her first modelling assignment as a teenager and later pursued a career as a fashion model. At a fashion show in London, Indian filmmaker [[Kaizad Gustad]] decided to cast her in ''[[Boom (film)|Boom]]'' (2003), a critical and commercial failure. While in India, Kaif received modelling assignments and established a successful modelling career, however, filmmakers were hesitant to cast her due to her poor command of Hindi. After appearing in the Telugu film ''[[Malliswari (2004 film)|Malliswari]]'' (2004), Kaif earned commercial success in Bollywood with the romantic comedies ''[[Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?]]'' (2005) and ''[[Namastey London]]'' (2007). She followed with a series of box-office hits, but was criticised for her acting, repetitive roles, and inclination to [[Androcentrism|male-dominated]] films.

Her performance in the thriller ''[[New York (2009 film)|New York]]'' (2009) earned her a nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]], and after starring roles in ''[[Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani]]'' (2009), ''[[Raajneeti]]'' (2010), and ''[[Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara]]'' (2011), she received her second nomination for her performance in ''[[Mere Brother Ki Dulhan]]'' (2011). Kaif's highest-grossing films came with the action thrillers ''[[Ek Tha Tiger]]'' (2012), ''[[Dhoom 3]]'' (2013), and ''[[Bang Bang!]]'' (2014), all of which rank among the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian films]]. She followed this with a series of films which did not perform well commercially, with the exception of the action sequel ''[[Tiger Zinda Hai]]'' (2017) and the drama ''[[Bharat (film)|Bharat]]'' (2019), but received a nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]] for her portrayal of an alcoholic actress in the romantic drama ''[[Zero (2018 film)|Zero]]'' (2018).

In addition to acting, Kaif is involved with her mother's charity and participates in stage shows. She is guarded about her personal life, which is subject to media scrutiny, as is her background.

Katrina Kaif was born in [[Hong Kong]] with her mother's surname Turquotte (also spelt Turcotte), on 16 July 1983.{{efn|name=A|Although Kaif has said that she was born in 1983, her birth year has been quoted (or inferred) in reliable sources as 1983 or 1984.<ref>{{cite video|date=12 July 2011 |title=Katrina, Hrithik Do A Jig at India TV Broadcast Centre |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maiuTjFv3-Y&t=14m27s |publisher=YouTube |quote=Event occurs at 14:27 |access-date=3 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lalwani|first=Vickey|title=Salman Khan's there for me: Katrina Kaif|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-29/news-interviews/29716644_1_yash-chopra-priyanka-film|access-date=4 October 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010512/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-29/news-interviews/29716644_1_yash-chopra-priyanka-film|archive-date=5 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Katrina Kaif turns 30! |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/katrina-kaif-turns-30_139135.html |publisher=[[Zee News]] |access-date=28 February 2014 |date=18 July 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231152836/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/katrina-kaif-turns-30_139135.html |archive-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Katrina Kaif welcomes plans to target false claims in ad world |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/katrina-kaif-welcomes-plans-to-target-false-claims-in-ad-world_150321.html |publisher=Zee News |access-date=28 February 2014 |date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206020845/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/katrina-kaif-welcomes-plans-to-target-false-claims-in-ad-world_150321.html |archive-date= 6 February 2014 }}</ref>}}<ref name="cream">{{cite news|last=Bamzai |first=Kaveree |title=Kat who stole the cream |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-rise-of-bollywood-beauty-katrina-kaif/1/127282.html |work=India Today |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=28 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923081231/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-rise-of-bollywood-beauty-katrina-kaif/1/127282.html |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Happy Birthday Katrina: Ranbir plans big bash for lady love at Barcelona |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/happy-birthday-katrina-kaif-turns-30/1/291546.html |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=5 July 2014 |date=16 July 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714130255/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/happy-birthday-katrina-kaif-turns-30/1/291546.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Katrina Kaif: Lesser known facts |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Katrina-Kaif-Lesser-known-facts/photostory/33609536.cms |access-date=12 June 2014 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418050244/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Katrina-Kaif-Lesser-known-facts/photostory/33609536.cms |archive-date=18 April 2014 }}</ref> According to the actress, her father, Mohammed Kaif, is a British businessman of [[Kashmiri people|Kashmiri]] descent and her mother (Suzanne, also spelt Susanna) is an English lawyer and charity worker.<ref name="Bollywood Barbie">{{cite news|title=Tees Maar Khan: A British Bollywood Barbie!|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/224986/Tees-Maar-Khan-A-British-Bollywood-Barbie|access-date=1 March 2014|work=[[Daily Express]]|date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121704/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/224986/Tees-Maar-Khan-A-British-Bollywood-Barbie|archive-date=5 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rise">{{cite news|title=The rise and rise of Katrina Kaif |url=http://mumbaimirror.com/others/sunday-read/The-rise-and-rise-of-Katrina-Kaif/articleshow/16169102.cms |access-date=12 October 2013 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=2 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014074135/http://mumbaimirror.com/others/sunday-read/The-rise-and-rise-of-Katrina-Kaif/articleshow/16169102.cms |archive-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name="hundred">{{cite news|last=Varma|first=Uttara|title=I am hundred per cent Indian ... my Hindi is pretty good|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-i-am-hundred-per-cent-indian-...-my-hindi-is-pretty-good-/487326/0|access-date=22 February 2014|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=12 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628041507/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-i-am-hundred-per-cent-indian-...-my-hindi-is-pretty-good-/487326/0|archive-date=28 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> She has seven siblings: three elder sisters named Stephanie, Christine and Natasha; three younger sisters named Melissa, Sonia, and Isabel; and an elder brother named Michael.<ref name="Bollywood Barbie" /><ref name="hundred" /> Isabelle Kaif is also a model and actress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Isabel Kaif: 10 facts you probably didn't know about Katrina Kaif's sister |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/isabel-kaif-10-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-katrina-kaifs-sister/453219-8-66.html |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |access-date=30 May 2014 |date=20 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302195032/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/isabel-kaif-10-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-katrina-kaifs-sister/453219-8-66.html |archive-date= 2 March 2014 }}</ref> Kaif's parents divorced when she was a child, and her father moved to the [[United States]]. She said her father had no influence on Kaif or her siblings while they were growing up, and they were raised by their mother.<ref name="cream" /><ref name="hundred" /><ref name="dumb">{{cite news|last=Chaturvedi |first=Anshul |title=I'm not dumb: Katrina |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Im-not-dumb-Katrina/articleshow/7162203.cms |access-date=1 March 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=26 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505123041/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Im-not-dumb-Katrina/articleshow/7162203.cms |archive-date= 5 May 2014 }}</ref> On her father's absence in her life, Kaif stated: "When I see friends who have wonderful fathers who are like pillars of support for their families, I say, if only I had that. But instead of complaining, I should be grateful for all the other things I have". In a 2009 interview with ''[[The Indian Express]]'', she said she was not in touch with her father.<ref name="hundred" />

[[File:Katrina Kaif with her mother.jpg|thumb|alt=A woman is sitting next to an older woman in a crowded room. The younger woman is sitting on the right wearing a white dress, while the older woman is wearing a black dress.|Kaif with her mother at the [[People's Choice Awards India]], 2012|268x268px]]

Kaif says that her mother decided to "dedicate her life to social causes", which led to the family's relocation to a number of countries for varying lengths of time:<blockquote>Our transitions in growing up were—from Hong Kong where I was born, to China, then to Japan, and from Japan by boat to France&nbsp;... After France, Switzerland—and I'm cutting out many East European countries where we were for only a few months each—then Poland in [[Kraków]]&nbsp;... After that we went to Belgium, then to Hawaii, which was a short time, and then came to London.<ref name="dumb" />

</blockquote>

Due to their frequent relocation, Kaif and her siblings were [[Homeschooling|home-schooled]] by a series of tutors.<ref name="man">{{cite journal |last=Chaudhury |first=Shoma |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=hub041008The_man.asp |title=The Man of the Family |journal=[[Tehelka]] |volume=5 |issue=39 |access-date=18 June 2014 |date=4 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141625/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=hub041008The_man.asp |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> Although she is thought to have grown up in London, she lived there for only three years before moving to India.<ref name="dumb" /> According to Kaif, she then changed her surname to her father's because she thought it would be easier to pronounce.<ref>{{cite news|title=My name's Turquotte: Katrina |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/My-names-Turquotte-Katrina/articleshow/4986854.cms?referral=PM |access-date=12 October 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=9 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215032330/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/My-names-Turquotte-Katrina/articleshow/4986854.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref>

Kaif's paternal parentage has been questioned by some members of the film industry.<ref name="cream" /> In a 2011 interview with ''[[Mumbai Mirror]]'', ''[[Boom (film)|Boom]]'' producer [[Ayesha Shroff]] accused Kaif of fabricating her history: "We created an identity for her. She was this pretty young English girl, and we gave her the Kashmiri father and thought of calling her Katrina Kazi. We thought we'd give her some kind of Indian ancestry, to connect with the audience&nbsp;... But then we thought that Kazi sounded too&nbsp;... religious?&nbsp;... [[Mohammad Kaif]] was at the top, and so we said, Katrina Kaif sounds really great".<ref name="rise" /> Kaif called Shroff's comments "hurtful".<ref name="cream" />

 

At the age of fourteen, Kaif won a beauty contest in Hawaii, and received her first modelling assignment in a jewellery campaign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reddy|first=T.K.|date=15 July 2003|title=Cool Kat comes to Chennai|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/15/stories/2003071500180100.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911060648/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/15/stories/2003071500180100.htm|archive-date=11 September 2013}}</ref> She subsequently modelled professionally in London, working for freelance agencies and appearing regularly at [[London Fashion Week]].<ref name="cream" />

At a fashion show Kaif attracted the attention of London-based filmmaker [[Kaizad Gustad]]. He selected her for a role in the English-[[Bollywood|Hindi]] [[Erotic thriller|erotic]] [[heist film]] ''Boom'' as part of an ensemble cast that included [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Gulshan Grover]], [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Madhu Sapre]] and [[Padma Lakshmi]].<ref name="london fashion week">{{cite news|last=Renuka |first=Methil |title=She's got the look |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/katrina-kaif-to-be-one-of-three-leading-ladies-in-kaizad-gustads-heist-film-boom/1/219881.html |work=India Today |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=6 May 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923085749/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/katrina-kaif-to-be-one-of-three-leading-ladies-in-kaizad-gustads-heist-film-boom/1/219881.html |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref><ref name="boom">{{cite news|last=Mukherjee |first=Madhureeta |title=Katrina booms in Bollywood |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Katrina-booms-in-Bollywood/articleshow/22997.cms |access-date=3 March 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=16 June 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215032338/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Katrina-booms-in-Bollywood/articleshow/22997.cms |archive-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref> While filming in India, Kaif received other offers and decided to stay in the country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pathiyan |first=Priya |title='I'm not involved with Salman Khan' |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/40363538.cms |access-date=16 March 2003 |work=The Times of India |date=16 March 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040905203940/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/40363538.cms |archive-date= 5 September 2004 }}</ref> In 2003, she received notice as a model after walking the ramp for [[Rohit Bal]] at the [[India Fashion Week]]<ref name="beautiful">{{cite web|last=Menon |first=Sita |title=Katrina's beautiful, and she knows it |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/22katrina.htm |date=21 July 2003 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=21 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923071622/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/22katrina.htm |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> and appeared in the first [[Kingfisher Calendar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Banerjee|first=Chetna K.|title=Movers, shakers & sizzlers|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/spectrum/main2.htm|access-date=3 March 2014|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|date=28 December 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310022439/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/spectrum/main2.htm|archive-date=10 March 2013}}</ref> Kaif soon established a successful modelling career in India after endorsing brands such as [[Coca-Cola]], [[LG Corp|LG]], [[Fevicol]] and [[Samsung]].<ref name="success">{{cite news|title=Haute route to success |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/07/stories/2003080700090200.htm |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=7 August 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108053228/http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/08/07/stories/2003080700090200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 8 November 2012 }}</ref>

Kaif's career as a model led to anticipation surrounding her Bollywood debut.<ref name="boom" /> ''Boom'' (2003) had its first screening at the [[2003 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]], and was heavily promoted at the event.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bamzai |first=Kaveree |title=Vava voom |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kaizad-gustad-seems-to-be-on-the-roll-with-boom/1/205880.html |access-date=3 March 2014 |work=India Today |date=14 July 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303050032/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kaizad-gustad-seems-to-be-on-the-roll-with-boom/1/205880.html |archive-date= 3 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=It's Boom time for glamour|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030803/spectrum/spotlite.htm|access-date=20 April 2014|work=The Tribune|date=3 August 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051203192620/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030803/spectrum/spotlite.htm|archive-date=3 December 2005}}</ref> ''Boom'' was a commercial and critical failure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Always knew Katrina Kaif would be superstar, says 'Boom' director |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Always-knew-Katrina-Kaif-would-be-superstar-says-Boom-director/articleshow/21778559.cms?referral=PM |access-date=22 October 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=12 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215035405/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Always-knew-Katrina-Kaif-would-be-superstar-says-Boom-director/articleshow/21778559.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bansal |first=Robin |title=Kat's Boom days are back to haunt her |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kat-s-boom-days-are-back-to-haunt-her/article1-671317.aspx |access-date=24 March 2014 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=9 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324110934/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kat-s-boom-days-are-back-to-haunt-her/article1-671317.aspx |archive-date=24 March 2014 }}</ref> Kaif's enactment of a supermodel ensnared in the [[India Mafia|Mumbai underworld]] was poorly received, with Ziya U. Salam of ''[[The Hindu]]'' attributing the weak performances of the film's leading ladies to "the vacuity of their expressions".<ref>{{cite news|last=Salam |first=Ziya U. |title=Situations vacant |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/01/01/stories/2004010100180100.htm |access-date=3 March 2014 |date=1 January 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106105804/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/01/01/stories/2004010100180100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 6 November 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that after ''Boom''{{'}}s release, Kaif was written off due to her poor [[Hindi]] and thick British accent.<ref name="sixhits">{{cite news |title=Katrina on top with six hits in a row: critics |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/archives/katrina-on-top-with-six-hits-in-a-row-critics/article1-335506.aspx |access-date=15 June 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022163845/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/archives/katrina-on-top-with-six-hits-in-a-row-critics/article1-335506.aspx |archive-date=22 October 2013 }}</ref> She later dismissed the film: "I don't count ''Boom'' among important happenings in my life. When I signed this film, I didn't know much about India and its film audience".<ref name="that's kat">{{cite news|title=That's Kat! |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/07/05/stories/2004070500870100.htm |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=5 July 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923074213/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/07/05/stories/2004070500870100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> Although Kaif was offered a number of modelling assignments,<ref name="that's kat" /> filmmakers were hesitant to cast her because of her poor command of Hindi.<ref>{{cite web|title=When John Abraham made Katrina Kaif cry|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/when-john-abraham-made-katrina-kaif-cry-254720|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=14 August 2012|access-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928224457/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/when-john-abraham-made-katrina-kaif-cry-254720|archive-date=28 September 2013}}</ref> In one instance, [[Mahesh Bhatt]] replaced her with [[Tara Sharma]] in ''[[Saaya (2003 film)|Saaya]]'' (2003) as he found her an "inconsistent performer".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lalwani |first1=Vickey |title=Will Saaya repeat Raaz's success? |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/03saaya.htm |work=Rediff.com |date=3 March 2003 |access-date=4 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213002527/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/03saaya.htm |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref> Subsequently, Kaif began working on her diction through Hindi classes.<ref name="that's kat" />

After the failure of her first Bollywood project, Kaif appeared in the [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]] ''[[Malliswari (2004 film)|Malliswari]]'' (2004). With [[Daggubati Venkatesh]], she played the title role of a princess forced to flee from her murderous caretaker. Kaif received a reported {{INRConvert|7.5|m}} for the film, the highest salary for a [[Cinema of South India|South Indian]] film actress at the time. Despite negative reviews for her acting, ''Malliswari'' was a profitable venture.<ref>{{cite web|title=South India's new faces |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/south-india-s-new-faces-imagegallery-0-events-jdwmCvijjggsi.html |publisher=Sify |access-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716022822/http://www.sify.com/movies/south-india-s-new-faces-imagegallery-0-events-jdwmCvijjggsi.html |archive-date=16 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pillai |first=Shreedhar |title="Malliswari" mania |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/19/stories/2004021900960300.htm |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=19 February 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923013049/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/19/stories/2004021900960300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref>

In 2005, Kaif appeared briefly as [[Abhishek Bachchan]]'s girlfriend in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s [[political thriller]] ''[[Sarkar (2005 film)|Sarkar]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title=Katrina's voice dubbed again |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/katrinas-voice-dubbed-again-news-bollywood-kkfv1Lbecbbsi.html |publisher=Sify |access-date=28 March 2014 |date=25 July 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717013629/http://www.sify.com/movies/katrinas-voice-dubbed-again-news-bollywood-kkfv1Lbecbbsi.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 }}</ref> She next featured alongside [[Salman Khan]], [[Sushmita Sen]] and [[Sohail Khan]] in ''[[Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?]]'', a film she considered her "first real step into Bollywood".<ref>{{cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title=Adi is my kind of director: Katrina |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/nm14/adi-is-my-kind-of-director-katrina/article1-133690.aspx |access-date=10 December 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216143049/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/nm14/adi-is-my-kind-of-director-katrina/article1-133690.aspx |archive-date=16 December 2014 }}</ref> Directed by [[David Dhawan]], the film was a successful remake of the romantic comedy ''[[Cactus Flower (film)|Cactus Flower]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title=We need laughter in our lives |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jul/29david.htm |date=29 July 2004 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191922/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jul/29david.htm |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Box office cold to Bipasha's sizzle |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/aug/23box.htm |date=23 August 2005 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190549/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/aug/23box.htm |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> For her role as a suicidal model, Kaif received the [[Stardust Award for Breakthrough Performance – Female]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bose|first=Derek|title=Director's choice|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090228/saturday/main1.htm|access-date=29 June 2014|work=The Tribune|date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830001547/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090228/saturday/main1.htm|archive-date=30 August 2010 }}</ref> According to Sukanya Verma of [[Rediff.com]], "Katrina's [[Disney Princess#Disney Princesses|Disney princess]]-like charm adds to her adorable screen presence".<ref>{{cite web|last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=David Dhawan does it again with MPKK |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jul/15mpkk.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=21 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923094202/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jul/15mpkk.htm |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> Kaif followed with a small part in her second Telugu film, ''[[Allari Pidugu]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Commercial potboiler |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/08/stories/2005100806350200.htm |access-date=21 September 2013 |date=8 October 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925143908/http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/08/stories/2005100806350200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=25 September 2013 }}</ref>

[[File:Katrina Kaif- 2006 IIFA Awards.jpg|thumb|alt=A woman is smiling away from the camera.|Kaif at the [[7th IIFA Awards|2006 IIFA Awards]]|left|250x250px]]In 2006, she appeared with [[Akshay Kumar]] for the first of many films in [[Raj Kanwar]]'s unsuccessful ''[[Humko Deewana Kar Gaye]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg== |title=Box Office 2006 |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132118/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a story of two like-minded strangers who fall in love despite being engaged to others. [[Sify]] wrote that Kaif was "passably competent in a tailor-made role, giving a mild emotional spin to a couple of scenes" but was overshadowed by her supporting actresses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Movie Review: Humko Deewana Kar Gaye |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/bollywood/preview.php?ctid=5&cid=2425&id=14185919 |publisher=Sify |access-date=10 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717000538/http://www.sify.com/movies/bollywood/preview.php?ctid=5&cid=2425&id=14185919 |archive-date=17 July 2014 }}</ref> Kaif also appeared with [[Mammootty]] in the [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]] [[Crime fiction|crime thriller]] ''[[Balram vs. Tharadas]]'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Good cinema should excite the minds |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam/interview.php?id=14196231&cid=2406 |publisher=Sify |access-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024045841/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam/interview.php?id=14196231&cid=2406 |archive-date=24 October 2014 }}</ref> in which Rishi Raj Singh of ''The Hindu'' called her performance "marvellous".<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh |first=Rishi R. |title=A crime thriller from I.V. Sasi |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050200940200.htm |access-date=22 September 2013 |date=2 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927055745/http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050200940200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref>

Kaif's career prospects changed in 2007, when she appeared in four Bollywood hits.<ref name="dhoom">{{cite news|last=Ghosh |first=Debasmita |title=From Boom to Dhoom: Katrina Kaif's best movies |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/From-Boom-to-Dhoom-Katrina-Kaif-s-best-movies/Article1-1127029.aspx |access-date=22 February 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221125944/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/from-boom-to-dhoom-katrina-kaif-s-best-movies/article1-1127029.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref> In an interview with ''The Indian Express'', she called [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]'s romantic comedy ''[[Namastey London]]'' a milestone, saying that "for the first time, [she] had a dominating role".<ref name="hundred" /> Kaif used her life in London as a reference for her role as a spoilt [[British Indian]] girl intent on marrying her self-centred British boyfriend, despite her parents' disapproval.<ref>{{cite news|title=The other Kaif |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/03/22/stories/2007032200830100.htm |access-date=22 September 2013 |date=22 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927225418/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/03/22/stories/2007032200830100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref> Although critics expressed mixed views on the film,<ref>{{cite news |last=Kotwani |first=Hiren |title=Vipul Shah defends Namastey London |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Bollwood/Vipul-Shah-defends-Namastey-London/Article1-212487.aspx |access-date=22 September 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=29 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929235303/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Bollwood/Vipul-Shah-defends-Namastey-London/Article1-212487.aspx |archive-date=29 September 2013 }}</ref> Sukanya Verma wrote that Kaif "suits the role to the T" and "brings the zingy mix of her character alive with style and substance".<ref>{{cite web|last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=Namastey London is a fun ride |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/mar/23nl.htm |date=23 March 2007 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927213900/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/mar/23nl.htm |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref> Kaif's chemistry with co-star Akshay Kumar was particularly well received, with [[Nikhat Kazmi]] of ''[[The Times of India]]'' calling their casting "refreshing".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kazmi |first=Nikhat |title=Namastey London |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Namastey-London/movie-review/1802925.cms |access-date=22 September 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=24 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222013623/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Namastey-London/movie-review/1802925.cms |archive-date=22 December 2013 }}</ref> Taran Adarsh from [[Bollywood Hungama]] mentioned "Katrina is a revelation. The actor surprised you with a confident performance in ''[[Humko Deewana Kar Gaye]]'' and now, in [[Namastey London|''Namaste London'']], she comes up with a spirited performance yet again. She handles the complex part with remarkable ease."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/namastey-london/critic-review/|title=Namastey London Review – Bollywood Hungama|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|website=Bollywood Hungama|language=en-US|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508184928/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/namastey-london/critic-review/|archive-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

She had a supporting role as a doctor in the sports drama ''[[Apne]]''. The film was highly anticipated as it marked the first appearance of [[Dharmendra]] with his sons, [[Sunny Deol]] and [[Bobby Deol]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gajjar |first=Manish |title=Apne |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/05/apne_preview.shtml |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 October 2014 |date=15 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226134026/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/05/apne_preview.shtml |archive-date=26 February 2008 }}</ref> After ''Apne'' she rejoined director David Dhawan and Salman Khan for the comedy ''[[Partner (2007 film)|Partner]]'', a remake of ''[[Hitch (film)|Hitch]]'' which also starred [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] and [[Lara Dutta]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Krishna|first=Sonali|title=Partner may face $30 mn Hitch|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-08-08/news/27673674_1_hitch-indian-films-bollywood|access-date=3 March 2014|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221193833/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-08-08/news/27673674_1_hitch-indian-films-bollywood|archive-date=21 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> With a worldwide revenue of {{INRConvert|1.03|b}}, the film was a major financial success.<ref name="boxoffice2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw== |title=Box Office 2007 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132441/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="top">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=3997&nCat=|title=Top All Time Worldwide Grossers Updated 11/5/2012|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=13 October 2013|date=11 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105215110/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=4409&nCat=|archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref> Kaif's final film of the year was [[Anees Bazmee]]'s comedy ''[[Welcome (2007 film)|Welcome]]'', alongside Akshay Kumar, [[Nana Patekar]], [[Mallika Sherawat]] and [[Anil Kapoor]]. Although the film generated mostly negative reviews, it proved to be the [[List of Bollywood films of 2007|second highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2007]].<ref name="dhoom" /><ref name="boxoffice2007" /> The similarity of Kaif's roles was noted by [[Shoma Chaudhury]] of ''[[Tehelka]]'', who called her "unabashed eye-candy", adding that she was "a pretty prop in ''Welcome''" and "more of the same in ''Partner'' and ''Apne''".<ref name="man" />

[[File:Akshay & Katrina on the sets of Welcome.jpg|thumb|alt=A man and a woman are looking away from the camera. The man is dressed in formal clothes, while the woman is wearing a light pink dress.|Kaif and [[Akshay Kumar]] on the set of ''[[Welcome (2007 film)|Welcome]]''; they teamed in several successful films.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tuteja |first=Joginder |title=I'll be there to guide any damsel in distress: Akshay |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/entertainment/i-ll-be-there-to-guide-any-damsel-in-distress-akshay/article1-479407.aspx |access-date=4 December 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205100659/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/entertainment/i-ll-be-there-to-guide-any-damsel-in-distress-akshay/article1-479407.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2015 }}</ref>|235x235px]]

In 2008, the actress had three releases, the first of which was [[Abbas-Mustan]]'s action thriller ''[[Race (2008 film)|Race]]'', a story about two stepbrothers-turned-rivals who are in contention for their father's [[Insurance#Life|insurance money]]. Kaif played [[Saif Ali Khan]]'s secretary, who is his stepbrother's ([[Akshaye Khanna]]) lover. Nikhat Kazmi was appreciative of the film, praising its "super cool look [and] testosterone-high action sequences" but found Kaif "too pale" in her role.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kazmi |first=Nikhat |title=Race Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Race/movie-review/2888134.cms |access-date=22 September 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=21 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010184938/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Race/movie-review/2888134.cms |archive-date=10 October 2013 }}</ref> After ''Race'', Kaif rejoined Akshay Kumar in Anees Bazmee's action comedy ''[[Singh Is Kinng]]''. The film earned {{INRConvert|1.25|b}} worldwide, making it Kaif's sixth consecutive box-office success.<ref name="sixhits" /><ref name="top" /><ref name="boxoffice2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA== |title=Box Office 2008 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=23 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132123/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, she received mixed reviews for her performance.<ref name="dhoom" /> [[Rajeev Masand]] of [[CNN-IBN]] reviewed: "Katrina Kaif is an eyesore&nbsp;... her acting so weak you want to urge her to watch everyone from [[Madhubala]] to [[Madhuri Dixit|Madhuri]] so she might pick up a few tricks".<ref>{{cite web|last=Masand |first=Rajeev |title=Masand's Verdict: Singh is Kinng |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singh-is-kinng-a-dead-zone-of-comedy/70704-8.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922190131/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/singh-is-kinng-a-dead-zone-of-comedy/70704-8.html |archive-date=22 September 2013 }}</ref>

Kaif's final film of the year—[[Subhash Ghai]]'s drama ''[[Yuvvraaj]]''—was a major box-office failure.<ref name="boxoffice2008" /> In preparation for her role as a cellist she practised her playing with orchestra members.<ref>{{cite news|last=KBR|first=Upala|title=KAIFi tagda hai|url=http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2008/nov/131108-Salman-Khan-Katrina-Kaif-Pranksters-Cello-Yuvvraaj-Bollywood.htm|access-date=23 October 2013|work=[[Mid-Day]]|date=13 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013055443/http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2008/nov/131108-Salman-Khan-Katrina-Kaif-Pranksters-Cello-Yuvvraaj-Bollywood.htm|archive-date=13 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Her portrayal of a girl forbidden by her father from marrying her poor lover was well received by Sify's Sonia Chopra: "Katrina is wonderful, plays the cello convincingly, and looks ethereal".<ref>{{cite web |last=Chopra |first=Sonia |title=Review: Yuvvraaj a yawn of a moral science lesson |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/review-yuvvraaj-a-yawn-of-a-moral-science-lesson-review-bollywood-14803151.html |publisher=[[Sify]] |access-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222174804/http://www.sify.com/movies/review-yuvvraaj-a-yawn-of-a-moral-science-lesson-review-bollywood-14803151.html |archive-date=22 December 2013 }}</ref> Despite the film's mixed critical reception, its screenplay was added to the library of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] for its artistic merit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Memon |first=Ayaz |title=When lines are crossed |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-when-lines-are-crossed-1208634 |access-date=19 July 2014 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=22 November 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727164342/http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-when-lines-are-crossed-1208634 |archive-date=27 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Subhash Ghai's Yuvvraaj goes to Oscar library |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Subhash-Ghai-s-Yuvvraaj-goes-to-Oscar-library/Article1-377914.aspx |access-date=22 September 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=12 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929235306/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Subhash-Ghai-s-Yuvvraaj-goes-to-Oscar-library/Article1-377914.aspx |archive-date=29 September 2013 }}</ref>

Before ''[[New York (2009 film)|New York]]'', Kaif's voice was [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed over]] by voice artists in most of her films due to her lack of fluency in Hindi and other Indian languages.{{efn|name=B|In ''Boom'', ''Namastey London'' and ''Singh is Kingg'', Kaif's real voice was retained.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stars with voiceovers |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/stars-with-voiceovers/article1-908137.aspx |access-date=16 October 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=4 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021185115/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/stars-with-voiceovers/article1-908137.aspx |archive-date=21 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Katrina finds her voice |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Katrina-finds-her-voice/articleshow/2212297.cms |access-date=16 October 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=20 October 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025175924/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Katrina-finds-her-voice/articleshow/2212297.cms |archive-date=25 October 2014 }}</ref>}} Although she appeared in a series of successful films, critics noted that she had little to do in them as they were generally [[Androcentrism|male-dominated]].<ref name="sixhits" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Vijayakar |first=Rajiv |title=New queen bee? |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/274159/queen-bee.html |access-date=19 July 2014 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=26 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726082502/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/274159/queen-bee.html |archive-date=26 July 2014 }}</ref> Her performances were also largely criticised.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaul |first=Vivek |title=Deepika is the new Katrina |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-deepika-is-the-new-katrina-1581434 |access-date=22 September 2013 |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=31 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012222006/http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-deepika-is-the-new-katrina-1581434 |archive-date=12 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=I look at acting more as motivation than inspiration: Katrina |url=http://zeenews.india.com/exclusive/i-look-at-acting-more-as-motivation-than-inspiration-katrina_4092.html |publisher=Zee News |access-date=11 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014040601/http://zeenews.india.com/exclusive/i-look-at-acting-more-as-motivation-than-inspiration-katrina_4092.html |archive-date=14 October 2013 |date=22 November 2008 }}</ref> About her series of glamorous roles, Kaif said that her "first few films were really a process of learning&nbsp;... There was no target".<ref name="cream" /> Kaif participated in Shah Rukh Khan's "Temptations Reloaded" world concert tour in 2008. Also featuring [[Kareena Kapoor Khan|Kareena Kapoor]] and Arjun Rampal, the tour began in [[Amsterdam]] in June and ended four months later in [[Dubai]]'s Festival City Arena before an audience of 15,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=SRK's Temptations Reloaded 2008 kick starts!|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/27sld1.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410203435/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/27sld1.htm|archive-date=10 April 2009|access-date=12 October 2013|work=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=Manjusha|date=26 October 2008|title=Saturday night live with Shah Rukh Khan|work=[[Gulf News]]|url=http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/tabloid/articles/saturday-night-live-with-shah-rukh-khan-1.138718|access-date=10 June 2014}}</ref>

=== ''New York'' and widespread recognition (2009–2013) ===

After a string of films in which she was cast to add glamour, Kaif appeared in [[Kabir Khan (director)|Kabir Khan]]'s terrorism drama ''New York'' (2009).<ref>{{cite news|last=Harshikaa |first=Udasi |title=Kat's crown |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/03/stories/2009070350010100.htm |access-date=23 September 2013 |date=3 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928042938/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/03/stories/2009070350010100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=28 September 2013 }}</ref> Featuring [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] and [[Neil Nitin Mukesh]] in lead roles, the film tells the story of how three friends' lives are changed when the former is [[Post-9/11#Suspicion|wrongly detained]] after [[September 11 attacks|9/11]]. Kaif played Maya, a college student who later marries a terrorist. The actress said that she identified with Maya, since she experienced similar isolation because of her skin colour when she was growing up in London.<ref>{{cite news|title=I was conscious of my skin colour while growing up: Katrina |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/i-was-conscious-of-my-skin-colour-while-growing-up-katrina/480776/ |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=The Indian Express |date=24 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222152209/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/i-was-conscious-of-my-skin-colour-while-growing-up-katrina/480776/ |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> Kaif also remarked that she was tired of "arm candy" roles and was looking for more substantial parts.<ref name="arm candy">{{cite news|title=Kat is only Akshay's arm candy|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-07/news-interviews/28190362_1_akshay-kumar-katrina-kaif-s-homepage-film|access-date=23 September 2013|date=7 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928093920/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-07/news-interviews/28190362_1_akshay-kumar-katrina-kaif-s-homepage-film|archive-date=28 September 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''New York'' did well at the box office and received favourable reviews.<ref name="boxoffice2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ== |title=Box Office 2009 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=11 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014131907/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=I am not glamorous in real life: Katrina Kaif |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/I-am-not-glamorous-in-real-life-Katrina-Kaif/Article1-472226.aspx |access-date=25 June 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122213/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/I-am-not-glamorous-in-real-life-Katrina-Kaif/Article1-472226.aspx |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> According to [[Subhash K. Jha]], Kaif "comes into her own as an actress of substance&nbsp;... From the carefree effervescent campus girl to the anguished wife, Katrina makes the journey look plausible all the way".<ref>{{cite news|last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title='New York', a remarkable effort |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/New-York-a-remarkable-effort/articleshow/4709214.cms?referral=PM |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=27 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215052638/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/New-York-a-remarkable-effort/articleshow/4709214.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref> A reviewer for ''The Times of India'' considered it to be the "best performance of her entire career."<ref>{{cite news|title=New York Movie Review|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/new-york/movie-review/4707568.cms|work=The Times of India|date=26 June 2009|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716185345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/New-York/movie-review/4707568.cms|archive-date=16 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''New York'' brought Kaif her first [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress#2010s|Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress]].<ref name="awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/awards/id/3458 |title=Katrina Kaif &#124; Latest Celebrity Awards |access-date=12 November 2014 |publisher=Bollywood Hungama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112101550/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/awards/id/3458 |archive-date=12 November 2014 }}</ref> She then appeared in a cameo for India's first underwater thriller ''[[Blue (2009 film)|Blue]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|title=Katrina's guest performance in Blue lasts just 8 minutes|url=http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/aug/190809-Bollywood-Katrina-Kaif-Blue-underwater-thriller-guest-performance.htm|access-date=23 September 2013|work=[[Mid-Day]]|date=19 August 2009}}</ref> Kaif starred with [[Ranbir Kapoor]] in [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s hit comedy, ''[[Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani]]'' (2009), as an orphan forced to marry a rich man.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ== |title=Box Office 2009 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=28 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014131907/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=288&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] of [[Bollywood Hungama]] wrote, "Katrina Kaif continues to surprise&nbsp;... She scores in both emotional and light scenes" and called her chemistry with Kapoor "electrifying".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/510223 |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=23 September 2013 |date=6 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015042425/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/510223 |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> Her final film of the year was [[Priyadarshan]]'s comedy ''[[De Dana Dan]]''.<ref name="arm candy" /> She performed with [[Akon]] at the closing ceremony of the [[2009 Indian Premier League]] at the [[Wanderers Stadium]] in [[Johannesburg]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Katrina-Akon bring curtains down on IPL 2009|url=http://www.sify.com/sports/katrina-akon-bring-curtains-down-on-ipl-2009-imagegallery-cricket-jfzjK9bdhgc.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208034538/http://www.sify.com/sports/katrina-akon-bring-curtains-down-on-ipl-2009-imagegallery-cricket-jfzjK9bdhgc.html|archive-date=8 December 2013|access-date=28 January 2013|publisher=Sify}}</ref>

In 2010, Kaif appeared in [[Prakash Jha]]'s political thriller ''[[Raajneeti]]'' as part of an ensemble cast which included Ranbir Kapoor, [[Ajay Devgan]], [[Arjun Rampal]], Nana Patekar, [[Manoj Bajpai]] and [[Sarah Thompson (actress)|Sarah Thompson]]. The film took inspiration from ''[[Mahabharata|The Mahabharata]]'' and [[Mario Puzo]]'s 1969 novel ''[[The Godfather (novel)|The Godfather]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lahiri |first=Tripti |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2010/06/04/rajneeti-mahabharat-godfather-set-in-bhopal/ |title='Rajneeti': 'Mahabharat,' 'Godfather,' in Bhopal |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=11 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015075752/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2010/06/04/rajneeti-mahabharat-godfather-set-in-bhopal/ |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> Set in [[Bhopal]], the film described a fiercely fought election campaign by two parties attempting to seize power with manipulation, corruption and treachery. Although there was media speculation before the film's release that Kaif's character was based on [[Sonia Gandhi]], the actress denied this. In preparation for her role as Indu (a politician loosely based on [[Draupadi]]), she watched [[Priyanka Gandhi]]'s election campaign videos to study the body language and interaction of politicians.<ref>{{cite web|title=I was shocked when approached for Raajneeti |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-was-shocked-when-approached-for-raajneeti/115962-8-66.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=20 April 2014 |date=22 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421083323/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-was-shocked-when-approached-for-raajneeti/115962-8-66.html |archive-date=21 April 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=I watched Priyanka Gandhi's videos to get Rajneeti look: Katrina |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/I+watched+Priyanka+Gandhi's+videos+to+get+Rajneeti+look:+Katrina/1/94724.html |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=India Today |date=26 April 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427030623/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/I%20watched%20Priyanka%20Gandhi%27s%20videos%20to%20get%20Rajneeti%20look%3A%20Katrina/1/94724.html |archive-date=27 April 2014 }}</ref> The film received mainly positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhirani |first=Radhika |title=Raajneeti has coffers ringing with political winner |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Raajneeti-has-coffers-ringing-with-political-winner/Article1-555238.aspx |access-date=22 October 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=9 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025174724/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Raajneeti-has-coffers-ringing-with-political-winner/Article1-555238.aspx |archive-date=25 October 2013 }}</ref> Rajeev Masand found ''Raajneeti'' "thrilling and gripping", though [[Namrata Joshi]] was more critical and expressed her disappointment over the film's depiction of women.<ref>{{cite web|last=Masand |first=Rajeev |title='Raajneeti' is thrilling and gripping |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masand-raajneeti-is-thrilling-and-gripping/121986-8-84.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=13 January 2014 |date=5 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113231757/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masand-raajneeti-is-thrilling-and-gripping/121986-8-84.html |archive-date=13 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Joshi |first=Namrata |title=Rajneeti |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Rajneeti/265711 |access-date=24 September 2013 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=4 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144900/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Rajneeti/265711 |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> Nikhat Kazmi considered Kaif's performance to be "carefree and camera-unconscious" and wrote that she "seems to slip into the high-powered shoes easily".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kazmi |first=Nikhat |title=Raajneeti Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raajneeti/movie-review/6007822.cms |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=3 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820214326/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raajneeti/movie-review/6007822.cms |archive-date=20 August 2012 }}</ref> The film was highly successful at the box office, receiving a total collection of {{INRConvert|1.4|b}}.<ref name="top" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=318&catName=MjAxMA== |title=Box Office 2010 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=23 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014062657/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=318&catName=MjAxMA%3D%3D |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Kaif collaborated with Akshay Kumar for the sixth time in the [[slapstick]] comedy ''[[Tees Maar Khan (2010 film)|Tees Maar Khan]]'' (2010).<ref>{{cite web|title=Akshay Kumar wants Katrina as his lady |url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-wants-katrina-as-his-lady-2012-04-02-1.451645 |publisher=[[Emirates 24/7]] |date=2 April 2012 |access-date=10 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214182711/http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-wants-katrina-as-his-lady-2012-04-02-1.451645 |archive-date=14 December 2014 }}</ref> For her role as an aspiring actress, Kaif appeared in a popular [[item number]] titled "[[Sheila Ki Jawani]]". The song was choreographed by the film's director [[Farah Khan]] and for the belly dancing portion of the song, Kaif was trained by expert Veronica D'Souza.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dabholkar|first=Reshma K.|title=Katrina: Bollywood's only belly dancer|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Katrina-Bollywoods-only-belly-dancer/pmredirectshow/7058136.cms?|access-date=19 May 2015|work=The Times of India|date=7 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208112323/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Katrina-Bollywoods-only-belly-dancer/pmredirectshow/7058136.cms|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> "Sheila Ki Jawani" was often compared to another item number released the same year "[[Munni Badnaam Hui]]" from ''[[Dabangg]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wangoo|first=Anupama|title=Sheila steals Munni's thunder|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Sheila-steals-Munnis-thunder/articleshow/7164852.cms?referral=PM|access-date=21 May 2015|work=The Times of India|date=26 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208112323/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Sheila-steals-Munnis-thunder/articleshow/7164852.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the song's popularity, ''Tees Maar Khan'' was panned by critics and underperformed at the box office.<ref>{{cite news |title=TMK fails to impress critics |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/TMK-fails-to-impress-critics/Article1-642276.aspx |access-date=22 October 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025174721/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/TMK-fails-to-impress-critics/Article1-642276.aspx |archive-date=25 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fall and fall of akki |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110209/jsp/entertainment/story_13553921.jsp |access-date=10 December 2014 |work=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]] |date=9 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210050313/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110209/jsp/entertainment/story_13553921.jsp |archive-date=10 December 2014 }}</ref> Kaif's portrayal was not well received; Renuka Rao of ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' said that her "drama queen act is performed&nbsp;... poorly", but noted that she "does full justice" to the item number.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rao |first=Renuka |title=Review: Tees Maar Khan is not worth even a free ticket |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-tees-maar-khan-is-not-worth-even-a-free-ticket-1485367 |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=3 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012223534/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-tees-maar-khan-is-not-worth-even-a-free-ticket-1485367 |archive-date=12 October 2014 }}</ref>

The following year, Kaif was paired with [[Hrithik Roshan]] in [[Zoya Akhtar]]'s coming-of-age dramedy ''[[Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lalwani|first=Vickey|title=No issues with the kiss: Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-24/news-interviews/29698522_1_katrina-kaif-kiss-locking-lips|access-date=24 September 2013|date=24 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928034348/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-24/news-interviews/29698522_1_katrina-kaif-kiss-locking-lips|archive-date=28 September 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film narrates the story of three friends on a bachelor trip, and how the [[workaholic|workaholism]] of one was overcome with the help of Laila (Kaif). The film was a critical and commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sahni |first=Diksha |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/07/15/review-round-up-zindagi-na-milegi-dobara/ |title=Review Round-Up: 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=15 July 2011 |access-date=26 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233533/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/07/15/review-round-up-zindagi-na-milegi-dobara/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=earnings|title=Box Office Earnings 19/08/10 – 25/08/11 (Nett Collections in Ind Rs)|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=10 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903171326/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=earnings|archive-date=3 September 2011}}</ref> Richard Kuipers of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' commented that she is "delightful as the sweet-natured girl who inspires everyone to look in the mirror and do something about it".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kuipers |first=Richard |title=Review: 'Zindagi na milegi dobara' |url=https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/zindagi-na-milegi-dobara-1117945686/ |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=21 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928223219/http://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/zindagi-na-milegi-dobara-1117945686/ |archive-date=28 September 2013 }}</ref> ''Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'' was one of the most awarded films of the year and received numerous Best Film accolades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/awards/id/535587|title=Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) &#124; Latest Movie Awards|access-date=28 January 2014|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103035713/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/awards/id/535587|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref>

Kaif then featured in [[Yash Raj Films]]' romantic comedy ''[[Mere Brother Ki Dulhan]]'' (2011) with [[Imran Khan (Bollywood actor)|Imran Khan]] and [[Ali Zafar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Guharoy|first=Rounak|title=Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif set the stage on fire|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-11/news-interviews/29875873_1_ali-zafar-mere-brother-ki-dulhan-katrina-kaif|access-date=23 September 2013|date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928033847/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-11/news-interviews/29875873_1_ali-zafar-mere-brother-ki-dulhan-katrina-kaif|archive-date=28 September 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> She was cast as Dimple Dixit, a "talkative", "unpredictable" girl, a role she described as challenging as the character's personality contrasted with her own.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|title=Katrina gets headstrong!|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-04/news-interviews/28271258_1_ali-abbas-zafar-katrina-kaif-girl-after-much-preparation|access-date=24 September 2013|date=4 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928033849/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-04/news-interviews/28271258_1_ali-abbas-zafar-katrina-kaif-girl-after-much-preparation|archive-date=28 September 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> While the film earned mixed reviews, Kaif was generally praised for her portrayal.<ref name="dhoom" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Garia |first=Nikita |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/09/10/review-round-up-mere-brother-ki-dulhan/ |title=Review Round-Up: 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201255/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/09/10/review-round-up-mere-brother-ki-dulhan/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> The book ''Mother Maiden Mistress'' called Dimple one of the more interesting female characters of the year.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Somaaya|first1=Bhawana|last2=Kothari|first2=Jigna|last3=Madangarli|first3=Supriya|title=Mother Maiden Mistress: Women in Hindi Cinema, 1950–2010|date=9 January 2013|publisher=HarperCollins India|isbn=978-81-7223-859-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dtec0Ykfo1sC&pg=RA5-PA2011|page=2011}}</ref> Gaurav Malani of ''[[The Economic Times]]'' said the film was watchable because of "Katrina's live-wire energy wherein she never goes overboard and keeps bustling with vivacity through the runtime".<ref>{{cite news|last=Malani|first=Gaurav|title=Mere Brother Ki Dulhan: Movie review|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-09-09/news/30135706_1_mere-brother-ki-dulhan-katrina-kaif-imran-khan|access-date=23 September 2013|work=The Economic Times|date=9 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928031353/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-09-09/news/30135706_1_mere-brother-ki-dulhan-katrina-kaif-imran-khan|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> For this performance, Kaif received her second Filmfare nomination in the Best Actress category.<ref name="awards" />

[[File:Anushka Sharma, Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif at the premiere of JAB TAK HAI JAAN.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A man in a suit is interlocking arms with two women. The woman on the left is wearing a blue one-shouldered gown with her hair up, while the woman on the right is wearing a gold sari (South Asian attire) with her hair down.|Kaif (right) with [[Anushka Sharma]] and [[Shah Rukh Khan]] at the premiere of ''[[Jab Tak Hai Jaan]]'', 2012|293x293px]]

In 2012, Kaif appeared in "[[Chikni Chameli]]", an item number in ''[[Agneepath (2012 film)|Agneepath]]'' that incorporated dance steps from the [[Lavani]] genre (a [[Maharashtra|Maharashtrian]] folk dance). The song was filmed over a ten-day period<ref>{{cite news|last=Raje|first=Abhishek|title=Chikni Chameli gets 3.8&nbsp;million views within a week!|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-28/news-interviews/30562001_1_chikni-chameli-agneepath-katrina-kaif|access-date=12 October 2013|date=28 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015114513/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-28/news-interviews/30562001_1_chikni-chameli-agneepath-katrina-kaif|archive-date=15 October 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> and, according to the actress, "It was hard work. It was very fast and it was not a style I was used to, but I took it as a challenge".<ref>{{cite news |title=Chikni Chameli not my style: Katrina Kaif |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Chikni-Chameli-not-my-style-Katrina-Kaif/Article1-787297.aspx |access-date=12 October 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021230355/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Chikni-Chameli-not-my-style-Katrina-Kaif/Article1-787297.aspx |archive-date=21 October 2013 }}</ref> Kaif appeared next in Kabir Khan's espionage thriller ''[[Ek Tha Tiger]]'' as a Pakistani [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] agent who falls in love with an Indian [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] agent. Shubhra Gupta of ''The Indian Express'' wrote about her performance: "Katrina is an able, animated foil to Salman, her long legs making her leaps and kicks credible".<ref>{{cite news|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|title=Ek Tha Tiger|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ek-tha-tiger/989475/0|access-date=24 September 2013|work=The Indian Express|date=17 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140204100146/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ek-tha-tiger/989475/0|archive-date=4 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The film received predominantly positive reviews, with Aniruddha Guha of ''Daily News and Analysis'' calling it "smart and stylish".<ref>{{cite news |title=Critics Report: Ek Tha Tiger burning bright |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Critics-Report-Ek-Tha-Tiger-burning-bright/Article1-914019.aspx |access-date=22 October 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025174658/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Critics-Report-Ek-Tha-Tiger-burning-bright/Article1-914019.aspx |archive-date=25 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Guha |first=Aniruddha |title=Aniruddha Guha reviews Ek Tha Tiger |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-aniruddha-guha-reviews-ek-tha-tiger-method-in-the-salman-madness-1728293 |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=15 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012224312/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-aniruddha-guha-reviews-ek-tha-tiger-method-in-the-salman-madness-1728293 |archive-date=12 October 2014 }}</ref> With worldwide earnings of {{INRConvert|3.1|b}}, ''Ek Tha Tiger'' was the [[List of Bollywood films of 2012|highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5979&nCat=|title=Chennai Express Crosses Ek Tha Tiger Worldwide in Ten Days|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=21 September 2013|date=19 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105220137/http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5979&nCat=|archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/415845/20121217/top-10-grossers-2012.htm |title=Top 10 Bollywood Box Office Grossers of 2012; "Ek Tha Tiger" Tops List |date=17 December 2012 |work=[[International Business Times]] |access-date=14 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114080943/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/415845/20121217/top-10-grossers-2012.htm |archive-date=14 January 2014 }}</ref>

That year Kaif also appeared with [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Anushka Sharma]] in [[Yash Chopra]]'s [[Swan song#Idiom|swan song]], the romance ''[[Jab Tak Hai Jaan]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roy|first=Gitanjali|title=Big bang at the box office today: Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Son Of Sardaar|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/big-bang-at-the-box-office-today-jab-tak-hai-jaan-son-of-sardaar-291901|publisher=NDTV|access-date=28 March 2014|date=13 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527015235/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/big-bang-at-the-box-office-today-jab-tak-hai-jaan-son-of-sardaar-291901|archive-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> About working with Chopra, she remarked that he "undoubtedly is the king of romance and I have always admired the way he presents his heroines. It was always a dream to work with him and the reality is even better".<ref>{{cite news|title=Reality better than dreams: Katrina Kaif|url=http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/270412-Reality-better-than-dreams-Katrina-Kaif.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140204102048/http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/apr/270412-Reality-better-than-dreams-Katrina-Kaif.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 February 2014|access-date=24 September 2013|work=[[Mid-Day]]|date=27 April 2012}}</ref> She played Meera, a woman who promises God to end her affair with her comatose lover if he survives. Although the film received mostly positive reviews, Kaif's performance had a mixed reception.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rana |first=Preetika |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/11/13/review-round-up-jab-tak-hai-jaan-woos-critics/ |title=Review Round Up: 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' Woos Critics |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=13 November 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212135/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/11/13/review-round-up-jab-tak-hai-jaan-woos-critics/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> CNN-IBN wrote: "Meera's role was a difficult one and Katrina falls short in emotional scenes. It seems Katrina still doesn't feel very easy in front of the camera and has difficulty with complex expressions".<ref>{{cite web|last=Vats |first=Rohit |title=Jab Tak Hai Jaan: How has Katrina Kaif fared in the film? |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/jab-tak-hai-jaan-how-has-katrina-kaif-fared-in-the-film/305984-8.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=24 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009015036/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/jab-tak-hai-jaan-how-has-katrina-kaif-fared-in-the-film/305984-8.html |archive-date= 9 October 2013 }}</ref> Commercially, the film proved a box-office hit with revenues of {{INRConvert|2.11|b}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mehta |first=Ankita |title='Jab Tak Hai Jaan' Box Office Collection: Shahrukh Starrer is a Blockbuster Overseas |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/411072/20121204/jab-tak-hai-jaan-box-office-collection.htm |work=International Business Times |access-date=24 September 2013 |date=4 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927081651/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/411072/20121204/jab-tak-hai-jaan-box-office-collection.htm |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref>

Kaif rejoined Shah Rukh Khan for his 2013 "Temptations Reloaded" concert in [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], performing to an audience of over 18,000,<ref>{{cite video|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/373885/temptations-reloaded-2013-srk-katrina-preity-enthrall-muscat.html|title=Temptations Reloaded 2013: SRK, Katrina, Preity enthrall Muscat|date=19 February 2013|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=10 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715210246/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/373885/temptations-reloaded-2013-srk-katrina-preity-enthrall-muscat.html|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and joined Shah Rukh Khan, [[Deepika Padukone]] and [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]] in [[Kolkata]] for the opening ceremony of the [[2013 Indian Premier League|2013 IPL season]].<ref>{{cite web|date=3 April 2013|title=IPL 2013: Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Pitbull showcase diverse culture|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/ipl-2013-shah-rukh-khan-katrina-kaif-deepika-padukone-pitbull-showcase-diverse-culture-349474|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713121133/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/ipl-2013-shah-rukh-khan-katrina-kaif-deepika-padukone-pitbull-showcase-diverse-culture-349474|archive-date=13 July 2014|access-date=10 June 2014|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> In 2013, she appeared briefly with [[Aamir Khan]] in [[Vijay Krishna Acharya]]'s action thriller ''[[Dhoom 3]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aamir, Abhishek, Katrina and Uday promote 'Dhoom 3' |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Aamir-Abhishek-Katrina-and-Uday-promote-Dhoom-3/articleshow/27215896.cms |access-date=10 July 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=11 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215052736/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Aamir-Abhishek-Katrina-and-Uday-promote-Dhoom-3/articleshow/27215896.cms |archive-date=15 February 2016 }}</ref> To prepare for her role as a circus performer, she undertook a year-long regimen of [[Pilates]], [[functional training]] and [[aerial straps]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Katrina Kaif gets perfect body for Dhoom 3|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-21/news-interviews/44325481_1_dhoom-3-katrina-kaif-perfect-body|access-date=13 January 2014|date=21 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114014039/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-21/news-interviews/44325481_1_dhoom-3-katrina-kaif-perfect-body|archive-date=14 January 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film received ambivalent reviews and Kaif was criticised for taking on an insubstantial part.<ref>{{cite news |title=Movie review: Dhoom 3 a splendid watch but lacks imagination |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/movie-review-dhoom-3-a-splendid-watch-but-lacks-imagination/article1-1164671.aspx |access-date=13 January 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |date=20 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112223634/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/movie-review-dhoom-3-a-splendid-watch-but-lacks-imagination/article1-1164671.aspx |archive-date=12 January 2014 }}</ref> Earning {{INRConvert|5.42|b}} in box-office receipts, ''Dhoom 3'' went on to become the [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films|highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time]] until it was surpassed by ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |title='PK'(Peekay) Box Office Collection: Aamir Khan Starrer's Next Target – ₹600 Crores |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/pk-peekay-box-office-collection-aamir-khan-starrers-next-target-600-crores-619194 |work=International Business Times |access-date=4 January 2015 |date=4 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104162528/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/pk-peekay-box-office-collection-aamir-khan-starrers-next-target-600-crores-619194 |archive-date= 4 January 2015 }}</ref>

Kaif's next appearance was in [[Siddharth Anand]]'s ''[[Bang Bang!]]'' (2014), a remake of the 2010 action comedy ''[[Knight and Day]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lalwani |first=Vickey |title=Hrithik prepping up for Knight and Day remake |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-prepping-up-for-Knight-and-Day-remake/articleshow/18441696.cms |access-date=26 September 2013 |work=The Times of India |date=11 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905031120/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-prepping-up-for-Knight-and-Day-remake/articleshow/18441696.cms |archive-date= 5 September 2014 }}</ref> She played a bank receptionist who unwittingly gets caught up with a secret agent (Hrithik Roshan). [[Raja Sen]] of Rediff.com was disappointed with her performance, describing it as "insufferable".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sen |first=Raja |title=Review: Bang Bang is loud, dumb, exhausting |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-bang-bang-is-loud-dumb-exhausting/20141002.htm |date=2 October 2014 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=4 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004042138/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-bang-bang-is-loud-dumb-exhausting/20141002.htm |archive-date= 4 October 2014 }}</ref> Although the film was commercially successful, financial analysts observed that it failed to meet box-office expectations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mumbai 125KM And Sonali Cable Dull Bang Bang Is Semi Hit |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/mumbai125kmandsonalicabledullbangbangissemihit#.VEIIHfmUeSo |date=18 October 2014 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=18 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021112147/http://boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/mumbai125kmandsonalicabledullbangbangissemihit |archive-date=21 October 2014 }}</ref> ''Ek Tha Tiger'', ''Dhoom 3'' and ''Bang Bang!'' still rank in the [[list of highest-grossing Indian films]], while ''Jab Tak Hai Jaan'' still rank in the [[list of highest-grossing Indian films in overseas markets]]

Kaif's sole appearance of 2015 was with Saif Ali Khan in Kabir Khan's [[Aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks|post 26/11]] [[counter-terrorism]] drama ''[[Phantom (2015 film)|Phantom]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=After Phantom, Kabir Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan to kick start on November 3 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2692973/After-Phantom%2C-Kabir-Khan%27s-Bajrangi-Bhaijaan-to-kick-start-on-November-3 |access-date=1 November 2014 |publisher=Bollywood Hungama |date=1 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103145619/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2692973/After-Phantom%2C-Kabir-Khan%27s-Bajrangi-Bhaijaan-to-kick-start-on-November-3 |archive-date= 3 November 2014 }}</ref> In 2016, Kaif appeared in two films. In [[Abhishek Kapoor]]'s ''[[Fitoor]]'', an adaptation of [[Charles Dickens]]' ''[[Great Expectations]]'', Kaif played a role based on [[Estella (Great Expectations)|Estella Havisham]] along with [[Aditya Roy Kapur]] and [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Prashar|first=Chandni|title=Katrina Kaif, Aditya Roy Kapur Fight Kashmir Chill With Fitoor Kiss|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/katrina-kaif-aditya-roy-kapur-fight-kashmir-chill-with-fitoor-kiss-736871|publisher=NDTV|date=4 February 2015|access-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311032701/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/katrina-kaif-aditya-roy-kapur-fight-kashmir-chill-with-fitoor-kiss-736871|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> Later that year she featured in [[Nitya Mehra]]'s love story ''[[Baar Baar Dekho (film)|Baar Baar Dekho]]'' with [[Sidharth Malhotra]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Not 'Kal Jisne Dekha', Katrina Kaif-Sidharth Malhotra's film gets a new title |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-not-kal-jisne-dekha-katrina-kaif-sidharth-malhotra-s-film-gets-a-new-title-2120899 |access-date=27 September 2015 |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=1 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928225206/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-not-kal-jisne-dekha-katrina-kaif-sidharth-malhotra-s-film-gets-a-new-title-2120899 |archive-date=28 September 2015 }}</ref> Both films were critical and commercial failures.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thakur |first=Charu |title=Baar Baar Dekho to Fitoor: 2016's glossy films which sank without a trace |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baar-baar-dekho-sidharth-katrina-mohenjo-daro-fitoor-ki-and-ka-2016-flop-films/1/762438.html |access-date=11 October 2016 |work=India Today |date=12 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011230640/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baar-baar-dekho-sidharth-katrina-mohenjo-daro-fitoor-ki-and-ka-2016-flop-films/1/762438.html |archive-date=11 October 2016 }}</ref> In a review for the former, Namrata Joshi wrote: "Katrina is good so long as she has to just be herself. So she dances, smiles and flirts well, but the minute a dramatic scene comes up, her utter inadequacy as a performer shows."<ref>{{cite news|last=Joshi|first=Namrata|title=Fitoor doesn't live up to expectations|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/fitoor-doesnt-live-up-to-expectations/article8235812.ece|access-date=11 October 2016|work=The Hindu|date=14 February 2016}}</ref> Also in 2016, she joined other Indian celebrities for the "Dream Team Tour", where they performed in various American cities.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shekhar|first=Mimansa|date=26 August 2016|title=Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra's Dream Team signs off with the ultimate booth photo, see pics|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-katrina-kaif-sidharth-malhotras-dream-team-signs-off-booth-photo-2991995/|url-status=live|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011230840/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-katrina-kaif-sidharth-malhotras-dream-team-signs-off-booth-photo-2991995/|archive-date=11 October 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Aditya, Katrina promot film ‘Fitoor’.jpg|thumb|left|Kaif with co-star [[Aditya Roy Kapur]] at an event for ''[[Fitoor]]'' in 2016|225x225px]]

Kaif next appeared alongside Ranbir Kapoor in [[Anurag Basu]]'s comedy-adventure film ''[[Jagga Jasoos]]'', which was released in 2017 after multiple delays.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jagga Jasoos: Twists, turns and another release date |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/jagga-jasoos-ranbir-kapoor-katrina-kaif-twists-turns-and-another-release-date/20170524.htm |access-date=3 August 2017 |date=24 May 2017 |work=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212234/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/jagga-jasoos-ranbir-kapoor-katrina-kaif-twists-turns-and-another-release-date/20170524.htm |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film opened to mixed critical response and was a commercial disappointment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-basu-on-jagga-jasoos-failure-4768232/|title=Anurag Basu on Jagga Jasoos failure: Rejection paves path for my next, promise won't disappoint you|last=Kamleshwari|first=A.|work=The Indian Express|date=26 July 2017|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103232729/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-basu-on-jagga-jasoos-failure-4768232/|archive-date=3 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mayank Shekhar]] from [[Mid-Day]] said, "Honestly, I know no two faces as pleasant as [[Ranbir Kapoor]] and Katrina Kaif on the Indian screen. They naturally shine before the camera."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/jagga-jasoos-movie-review-film-rating-ranbir-kapoor-katrina-kaif-anurag-basu-bollywood-news/18423172|title=Jagga Jasoos Movie Review: Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif shine before camera|date=14 July 2017|work=mid-day|access-date=30 April 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221115928/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/jagga-jasoos-movie-review-film-rating-ranbir-kapoor-katrina-kaif-anurag-basu-bollywood-news/18423172|archive-date=21 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, Kaif reteamed with Salman Khan and reprised the role of Zoya in the Ali Abbas Zafar's action thriller&nbsp;film ''[[Tiger Zinda Hai]]'', sequel to the 2012 film ''Ek Tha Tiger.'' The film released on [[Christmas]] weekend and opened to strong box office collections, collecting over ₹1.1&nbsp;billion within three days of release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tiger-zinda-hai-first-look-salman-khan-katrina-kaif/1/1070890.html|title=Tiger Zinda Hai first look: Salman Khan's brooding appearance makes for the perfect Diwali gift|last=Palat|first=Lakshana L|work=India Today|date=18 October 2017|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024214517/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tiger-zinda-hai-first-look-salman-khan-katrina-kaif/1/1070890.html|archive-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Rachit Gupta of ''[[Filmfare]]'' wrote, "The screenplay goes easy on [Kaif] by not giving her stand and&nbsp;dialogue. Instead, she does the bulk of the hand to hand combat and gun fights and she looks the part.&nbsp;It's invigorating to see a lady kick-ass with so much élan and pull all the punches like they're real."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/tiger-zinda-hai-movie-review-slick-and-smart-25773.html|title=Movie Review: Tiger Zinda Hai|work=Filmfare|access-date=25 December 2017|last=Gupta|first=Rachit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020812/https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/tiger-zinda-hai-movie-review-slick-and-smart-25773.html|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Kaif played a supporting role in the [[Period film|period]]&nbsp;[[Action adventure film|action-adventure]]&nbsp;film ''[[Thugs of Hindostan]],'' marking her second collaboration with Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and director Vijay Krishna Acharya.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/detail/2017/05/11/katrina-kaif-joins-yrf-star-studded-mega-project-thugs-of-hindostan|title=Katrina Kaif Joins YRF's Star Studded Mega Project Thugs of Hindostan|website=www.yashrajfilms.com|access-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821003004/https://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/detail/2017/05/11/katrina-kaif-joins-yrf-star-studded-mega-project-thugs-of-hindostan|archive-date=21 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Kaif was also a female lead, alongside Anushka Sharma, in [[Anand L Rai]]'s ''[[Zero (2018 film)|Zero]]'', playing an alcoholic actress and marking her second collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan and Sharma (after 2012's ''Jab Tak Hai Jaan)''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/confirmed-shah-rukh-khan-romance-alia-bhatt-katrina-kaif-not-deepika-padukone-aanand-l-rais-725915|title=Confirmed: Shah Rukh Khan to romance Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif, not Deepika Padukone, in Aanand L Rai's film|last=Sen|first=Sushmita|work=International Business Times, India Edition|access-date=14 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511162028/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/confirmed-shah-rukh-khan-romance-alia-bhatt-katrina-kaif-not-deepika-padukone-aanand-l-rais-725915|archive-date=11 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Zero'' received mixed reviews from critics, but Kaif's portrayal of an alcoholic actress earned her critical praise,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/katrina-kaif-is-the-surprise-element-of-aanand-l-rai-directorial-zero/articleshow/67191729.cms|title=Katrina Kaif is the surprise element of Aanand L. Rai directorial 'Zero' - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=21 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222004246/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/katrina-kaif-is-the-surprise-element-of-aanand-l-rai-directorial-zero/articleshow/67191729.cms|archive-date=22 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> with Udita Jhunjhunwala of ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'' crediting for her for delivering "what could be considered her most authentic performance".<ref>{{cite news|author=Jhunjhunwala, Udita|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/TlxM9eycHLcXlqL2yAyoXJ/Movie-review-Zero-a-stunted-love-story-that-stalls-at-lift.html|title=Zero movie review: A love story that stalls at lift off|work=Mint|date=22 December 2018|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223130700/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/TlxM9eycHLcXlqL2yAyoXJ/Movie-review-Zero-a-stunted-love-story-that-stalls-at-lift.html|archive-date=23 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She received a nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-64th-vimal-filmfare-awards-2019_-32898-1.html |title=Nominations for the 64th Vimal Filmfare Awards 2019 |work=Filmfare |date=12 March 2019 |access-date=13 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316052927/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-64th-vimal-filmfare-awards-2019_-32898-1.html |archive-date=16 March 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, both ''Thugs of Hindustan'' and ''Zero'' were commercially unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |title=Can the Bollywood Khans stage a comeback? |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/can-the-bollywood-khans-stage-a-comeback/cid/1681755 |date=14 January 2019 |work=The Telegraph |author=Dua, Aarti |access-date=16 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116201052/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/can-the-bollywood-khans-stage-a-comeback/cid/1681755 |archive-date=16 January 2019 |url-status=live  }}</ref>