It is one of the vagueries of the Hindi film industry that an actress like Katrina Kaif, who is born to an Indian-Kashmiri father and a British mother, is right there at the top even though she hardly speaks Hindi.

What's more, she has also done films in Telugu and Malayalam without knowing those languages either! What helps, one supposes is that undoubtedly she is the best looker in the film industry today with a sexy body to match.

And also that she has been cast correctly in most of her films as by and large her roles have been fairly undemanding requiring her to look good, wear short dresses, dance a bit and smile sweetly!

But to be fair to Katrina, she did carry off a role centred around her in Namastey London (2007) fairly efficiently. She also boasts the best box-office record amongst the actresses of today with most of her recent films doing extremely well at the box-office.

Birthday: 16 July, 1984 in Hong Kong.

Debut Film: Kaizad Gustad's Boom (2003).

Major Impact: Namastey London (2006).

Successful Films: Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), Partner (2007), Welcome (2007), Race (2008), Singh is Kinng (2008).

Awards: Won the British-Indian Actor award for the Zee Cine Awards (2008), Won the Stardust Breakthrough Performance Award (Female) for Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya? (2005/2006).

Upcoming Film: Kabir Khan's New York.

Facts we didn't know:

Was born in Hong Kong and then moved to Hawaii till she was about 14, then she moved to London. Presently, she lives in Mumbai.

Unlike other artistes from foreign lands, Katrina did not experience any difficulties in getting a visa nor of getting it extended in India.

She was discovered at age 14 as a model for a jewelry campaign.

When moving to India, she worked for photographer Atul Kasbekar and did commercials for Fevicol, Lakme and Veet among others.

She doesn't do ramp shows anymore.

She was chosen as the face of the year for the Lakme India Fashion Week (2005).

Favorite Indian food is dahi and rice.

Is the most photographed woman in India.

Is the most searched Bollywood celebrity as per Google's 2008 data.

Is active in various charities and often visits orphanages and hospitals.

Voted at the No. 1 spot in FHM India's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll.