Katrina - The Birthday Babe

Katrina Kaif (born Katrina Turquotte, on 16 July 1984) is a British Indian actress and model who has appeared in Bollywood, Telugu, and Malayalam films.

Today, she turns 26. Here's looking at her life in pics!

Kat, The Model

She began her modeling career at the age fourteen; her first job was for a jewelry campaign.

She continued modeling in London under a contract with the Models Agency and did campaigns for houses such as La Senza and Arcadius, and even walked on the London Fashion Week.

BOOM !

Kaif's London modeling-work led to her discovery by London-based filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who gave her a part in his film Boom (2003).

She moved to Mumbai and was offered a number of modeling assignments. However, filmmakers were initially hesitant to sign her because she could not speak Hindi.

Getting There..

Kaif saw moderate success with the 2005 film Sarkar, where she played the bit part of Abhishek Bachchan's girlfriend, and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), where she was paired opposite Salman Khan.

Lucky Mascot, Akshay

In 2007, Kaif appeared in her first major hit movie, Namastey London, wherein she starred as a British-Indian girl alongside Akshay Kumar for the second time after the box office letdown Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006).

In 2008, she starred with Akshay in the major hit, Singh Is Kinng. De Dana Dan (2009)was also a commercial successes.

And Now.... Ranbir!

In 2009, she appeared in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, with Ranbir Kapoor, Kaif's first film of 2010 was Raajneeti, where she appeared opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

The film did extremely well at the box office, receiving a blockbuster status.

Up and Coming Soon!

She is currently filming for Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan along with Akshay Kumar, which is set to release on 24 December 2010.