Bruised but Unstoppable: The Real Story Behind Katrina Kaif’s Iconic Kamli Performance in Dhoom 3

Choreographer Shakti Mohan finally reveals how Katrina Kaif pushed her physical limits, trained for weeks, and performed most of the demanding dance herself despite injuries.

When Dhoom 3 hit theatres in 2013, the song Kamli instantly became a pop-culture moment, praised for its bold choreography and Katrina Kaif’s high-octane screen presence. Over the years, however, rumours persisted about the use of body doubles and how much of the physically demanding routine Katrina actually performed. Recent statements by choreographer Shakti Mohan have now brought long-awaited clarity, shedding light on the intense effort that went into creating the iconic number.

According to Shakti, who assisted lead choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, Katrina underwent nearly one and a half months of rigorous training before the shoot. She insisted on performing almost all the choreography herself, even moves that required extreme flexibility and strength, such as deep back arches and high-impact floor work. The repeated rehearsals and multiple takes took a physical toll, leaving Katrina with bruises across her body by the end of the shoot. While professional body doubles were used only for a few highly technical stunt elements for safety reasons, the bulk of what audiences see on screen is Katrina’s own performance.

Shakti also addressed the long-running assumption that she had served as Katrina’s body double, firmly dismissing the claim and clarifying that her role was strictly limited to choreography support and guidance. Beyond the physical endurance, she highlighted Katrina’s professionalism and gratitude, recalling how the actor later thanked the team with a thoughtful gesture after the demanding shoot wrapped.

Composed by Pritam, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kamli continues to be celebrated not just for its music but for the sheer dedication behind its making. More than a decade later, the song stands as a reminder of Katrina Kaif’s work ethic and her willingness to push through pain to deliver a performance that still resonates with audiences.

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