For decades, Bollywood operated with an unspoken rule when it came to female actors, marriage often marked the end of their careers. Kimi Katkar, the 'Jumma Chumma girl', was one such star who disappeared from films despite massive popularity.
Born to actor Meena Fernandez, Kimi entered the glamour industry at the age of 17 as a model. She quickly caught attention and soon stepped into films, making her acting debut in a supporting role in 1985. Her breakthrough came with Adventures of Tarzan opposite Hemant Birje, earning her the tag of Bollywood's 'Tarzan Girl'.
Kimi became one of the most sought-after glamour stars of the late 1980s-90s, featuring in several films including Lahoo, Dariya Dil, Sone Pe Suhaaga, Gair Kanooni and Khoon Ka Karz among others. At one point, she had as many as 15 releases in a single year (1989), making her one of the busiest actors of that period.
However, it was her iconic dance number Jumma Chumma with Amitabh Bachchan in Hum that turned her into a nationwide sensation. The song became a massive hit and cemented her identity as 'Jumma Chumma girl', a title that continues to be associated with her even decades later.
At the peak of her career, Kimi made the unexpected decision to walk away from the film industry after marrying photographer and advertising filmmaker Shantanu Shorey in 1992. She chose to focus on her personal life and family instead of continuing her acting career.
Today, Kimi lives a private life away from the entertainment industry. She has settled in Goa with her family and is enjoying a peaceful life as a grandmother. She also shared that she completed a six-month baking course and rediscovered her passion for baking.
