Katrina Kaif has long been celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most dedicated performers, and her iconic song Kamli from Dhoom 3 remains a fan favourite even years after its release. Known for its electrifying choreography and intense physicality, the song sparked long-standing speculation about whether Katrina performed the demanding moves herself or relied on a body double.
That debate has now been put to rest.
Choreographer Shakti Mohan, who assisted Vaibhavi Merchant on Kamli, has revealed that Katrina performed nearly all the choreography herself, enduring physical strain and injuries in the process.
Shakti Mohan on rehearsing with Katrina Kaif
Speaking to Filmygyan, Shakti shared details of the rigorous preparation behind the song.
“Katrina had to do the song solo, and they needed someone to teach her the movements. We rehearsed for about one and a half months,” she said.
Recalling her experience, Shakti admitted that working alongside Katrina came with its own pressure.
“When Katrina walked in, there was suddenly pressure on everyone to dance like her — even though I’m a professional dancer and have done this all my life,” she said. “But Katrina was extremely determined. She would perform every step back-to-back.”
Only stunts used a body double
Clarifying long-standing rumours, Shakti explained that a body double was brought in only for high-risk stunt portions, and not for the dance choreography itself.
“For the actual stunts, they had a body double flown in from France. Apart from that, Katrina did everything herself,” she said.
Shakti also highlighted Katrina’s insistence on pushing herself physically, even when alternatives were available.
“There were many moments where a body double could have stepped in, but Katrina was clear that she wanted to do it herself,” she added.
‘She had bruises all over her body’
Recalling one particularly challenging move, Shakti spoke about the physically demanding back-arch step in the song.
“There was a very difficult move where she had to do a deep back arch, and she just wouldn’t give up,” Shakti said. “She had bruises all over her body, but she kept going. She is incredibly hard-working.”
Her commitment, Shakti noted, was a major reason Kamli continues to be remembered as one of Katrina Kaif’s most powerful performances.
About Dhoom 3
Released in 2013, Dhoom 3 went on to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film of its time. The film starred Aamir Khan in a dual role as Sahir and Samar, alongside Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra, and Jackie Shroff.
The action thriller reportedly earned an estimated ₹556.74 crore worldwide and entered the ₹100 crore club within just three days of its theatrical release.
