Katrina Kaif's Dedication Shines Through Bruises in 'Kamli' Song Shoot
Choreographer Shakti Mohan has recently shed light on the intense dedication displayed by Bollywood star Katrina Kaif during the filming of the iconic "Kamli" song from the blockbuster movie Dhoom 3. In a revealing interview, Mohan ended long-standing speculation by confirming that Kaif performed nearly all the dance steps herself, despite sustaining significant bruises throughout the rigorous shooting process.
Clarifying the Body Double Myth
Addressing rumors that she might have served as Kaif's body double for the song, Shakti Mohan provided clear reasons why this was impossible. "Has anyone seen me do stunts in reality show Dance India Dance?" she questioned, adding, "If I have to be a body double of Katrina Kaif, don't I have to have a very different type of skin tone? My skin tone and height don't match with hers. How can I be her body double?" This statement firmly puts to rest any doubts about Kaif's personal involvement in the performance.
Intense Rehearsals and Solo Performance
Mohan, who was assisting choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant at the time, detailed the extensive preparation that went into the song. "We rehearsed for 1.5 months," she recalled. "Katrina had to do the song solo, and they needed somebody to teach her the moves. I had to do the dance in one take to demonstrate." This period of intense practice set the stage for Kaif's demanding performance, highlighting her commitment to mastering every aspect of the choreography.
Pressure to Perform Like Katrina Kaif
Interestingly, Mohan revealed that Kaif's exceptional performance created pressure even for the professional dancers and choreographers on set. "This was a crazy experience for me because when Katrina came in, suddenly there was so much pressure on everyone that you have to dance like her, despite me being a professional dancer," she shared. "I have been doing this all my life. And Katrina was like I am not going to give up." This testament underscores Kaif's ability to inspire and challenge those around her with her work ethic.
Bruises and Refusal to Use a Body Double
One of the most striking aspects of Mohan's account is the physical toll the shoot took on Kaif. "There were so many things that a body double could do instead of her, but Katrina insisted that she wants to do," Mohan explained. She specifically mentioned a difficult step requiring a back arch, which Kaif persevered through despite the challenges. "She had bruises all over her body. She is very hard-working," Mohan emphasized, painting a picture of an actor willing to endure pain for her art.
The Exception: A French Body Double for Stunts
While Kaif handled the majority of the dance sequences herself, Mohan noted that a body double was brought in from France specifically for certain stunts. "Just for the stunt, they got the body double from France," she said. Interestingly, this double eventually settled in India and got married there, adding a unique footnote to the song's production history.
A Token of Appreciation
Mohan also shared a heartfelt post-shoot gesture from Kaif. "After the shoot got over, she sent me a bag to my home with a very nice note," she recalled. This act of gratitude further illustrates the mutual respect and professional camaraderie that developed during the demanding filming process.
This revelation from Shakti Mohan not only highlights Katrina Kaif's unwavering dedication to her craft but also serves as an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of physical adversity. It reinforces why Kaif remains one of Bollywood's most respected and hard-working performers, with her commitment evident in every frame of the memorable "Kamli" song.
