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In 2003, a movie titled *Boom* was released, starring big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Gulshan Grover, and Jackie Shroff. The film also featured an 18-year-old debutante actress, marking her entry into Bollywood. For any newcomer, debuting at 20 in a star-studded movie alongside legends like Amitabh Bachchan would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, for this young girl, the movie turned into a nightmare. She was paired with actors twice her age and subjected to vulgar and uncomfortable scenes, making the film feel less like a cinematic project and more like an exploitation.
If you’ve guessed by now, yes, we’re talking about Katrina Kaif. Today, a happily married woman, Katrina has faced disturbing experiences in the past not just traumatic for her but also alarming for any woman aspiring to make a career in this industry.
Early Life and Struggles Born on July 16, 1983, to Mohammed Kaif and Suzanne Turquotte, Katrina’s parents divorced early, forcing her to take on responsibilities for her seven siblings from a young age. She started modeling as a teenager and soon caught the eye of Bollywood director Kaizad Gustad during a fashion show in London. Impressed by her beauty, he immediately offered her a role in his next film. The Boom Nightmare That film was Boom, which became Katrina’s Bollywood debut. Alongside her, several young models were cast, but the movie was filled with crassness worse than what you’d expect in a Bhojpuri music video or a low-budget web series. Kaizad knew Katrina didn’t speak Hindi or have acting experience, yet he cast her anyway. The film paired her with much older actors Gulshan Grover, Jackie Shroff, and Amitabh Bachchan. Shockingly, Jackie’s wife was one of the producers. The movie included bold scenes, including an intense kissing sequence between Gulshan Grover and Katrina. Reports suggest Gulshan rehearsed the scene for two hours in a closed room with the young actress—an 18-year-old newcomer. What happened behind those doors is left to the imagination. The most shocking part?
Amitabh Bachchan witnessed this but chose not to intervene. Gulshan Grover himself admitted this in an interview. Sonam Kapoor’s Revelations A viral clip of Sonam Kapoor from a 2018 interview with Business of Fashion resurfaced recently, where she spoke about horrific experiences faced by actresses in Bollywood. Without naming anyone, she mentioned a friend who remained silent because she had to support her seven siblings and didn’t want to be seen as a victim especially in the film industry. Given that Katrina has seven siblings, many believe Sonam was referring to her.
The Aftermath The makers of Boom probably never imagined that the 18-year-old girl they exploited would one day become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Thanks to Salman Khan, who played a godfather-like role in her life, Katrina who initially didn’t know Hindi or acting became one of the most sought-after actresses. But think about it: a foreign girl, unaware of Indian culture and the industry’s dark side, was pushed into a film where she was objectified. The trauma must have been immense, shaping her perception of Bollywood in the worst way possible.
A Larger Issue This isn’t just about Katrina. Almost every actress in the industry has faced exploitation treated as objects, taken advantage of because they’re seen as vulnerable. Many stay silent out of fear fear of losing respect, work, or facing backlash from powerful figures who can end careers. Some who dared to speak up were sidelined or erased from the industry. On Women’s Day, celebrities post empowering messages, but how many actually ensure a safe environment for their female co-stars?
Amitabh Bachchan, the "legendary hero," saw Gulshan Grover’s behavior and ignored it. It makes you question the mentality of our so-called heroes.
Thank you.....
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