Katrina Kaif's younger sister Isabelle Kaif makes her feature-film debut in Dr. Cabbie
Fans of Bollywood films need no introduction to Katrina Kaif.
She was the female lead opposite Aamir Khan in the blockbuster Dhoom 3 and starred alongside Shahrukh Khan in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As Long as I Live), which was stellar producer-director Yash Chopra's final film.
It's no wonder that Katrina, as she's known across India, is a household name everywhere Bollywood films are popular.
Now, her younger sister Isabelle Kaif is about to make her feature-film debut in the Canadian comedy Dr. Cabbie, which opens on Friday (September 19).
In an interview with the Georgia Straight at the Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel, Isabelle said she was cast in the film after attending an audition and sending a tape over to the producers.
So what does Katrina think of her younger sister's acting career?
"She was really supportive during the whole process," Isabelle replied.
At the time of the interview, Katrina hadn't seen Dr. Cabbie, which revolves around a Delhi-trained doctor (Vinay Virmani) whose professional credentials aren't recognized in Canada.
When asked what advice she'd received from her big sister, Isabelle paused for a moment before saying, "It's just really hard work. You go to school and you think it's so artistic and you're going to work on your craft. You get into the real world and it's hard work and perseverance."
Katrina also told her to expect a lot of doors to be slammed in her face.
"It's not personal," Isabelle said. "It's business. Keep going and eventually you'll get to yes. I think that's the most important thing she said."
Isabelle plays Simone, the girlfriend of cabbie Tony, played by Kunal Nayyar. He's best known for his role as Raj Koothrappali in The Big Bang Theory, but in this movie he plays a lecherous yet kind-hearted friend to the lead character.
"I was a little nervous coming on set," Isabelle confessed. "I'm not going to lie. But everyone was just so sweet, so nice, and showed me the ropes. We all got along amazingly."
Dr. Cabbie is coproduced by Bollywood acting legend Salman Khan, who's been a friend of Katrina's for years.
Meanwhile, Katrina has told the popular Mumbai paper Mid-day that her sister Isabelle, who's based in Los Angeles, has been training as an actor and dancer for four years.
In the interview, Katrina said that her sister will have to overcome a "language barrier" if she ever plans on working in the future in Bollywood, where films are made in Hindi.
"She is starting her career with an English film because she is comfortable with it," Katrina said. "It will be her decision if she wants to come here and do Hindi films. But no, I don't think I will ever make a film just for her. She is talented and confident, so I am sure she will get work on her own."
Katrina's interview has generated enormous attention in India because it's the first time she's talked about her relationship with Bollywood acting star Ranbir Kapoor, whose grandfather was the legendary actor and director Raj Kapoor.
"Ranbir is a huge part of my life," Katrina revealed to Mid-day. "But I am not getting married in the near future and I have not thought about it. I barely speak about my relationships. This is a stand I decided to take at an early stage of my career."
Their love affair burst into the media after she was photographed in a bikini alongside Ranbir in Ibiza. Katrina said she felt "hurt" when she saw the photos.
Katrina's next film, Bang Bang! with superstar Hrithik Roshan, has generated a great deal of attention in India even before its October 2 release.
Below, check out Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan in the "Tu Meri" video, which has been released in advance of the premiere of Bang Bang!
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