Katrina Kaif’s Uncomfortable Debut: Intimate Scene with Gulshan Grover in ‘Boom’

Behind the Camera: A Young Star’s First Challenge

When Katrina Kaif stepped onto the set of Boom in 2003, she was fresh out of modeling and barely out of school. The director, Kaizad Gustad, wanted a bold, edgy opening and paired the newcomer with veteran actor Gulshan Grover, who was 27 years older. The script called for a kissing sequence that would shock audiences and put the young actress on the map.

Reports from the set say Katrina was visibly uneasy. The lip‑lock with Grover was anything but a quick peck; it required two full hours of rehearsals. She practiced her timing, her expression, even how to keep her breath steady. For a teenager who had never done a “intimate” scene before, the drill felt more like a performance test than a cinematic moment.

On‑Set Drama and the Film’s Fallout

Things got more tense when Amitabh Bachchan, who was also part of the cast, supposedly walked into the cramped room while Katrina and Gulshan were mid‑rehearsal. The “legendary” actor’s unexpected presence added a layer of embarrassment that lingered throughout the shoot. Crew members recall the atmosphere turning electric, with whispers about whether the scene would ever make the final cut.

When Boom finally hit theaters, the buzz over the kissing scene was eclipsed by its box‑office disaster. The film collected barely Rs. 12 million, a huge loss for producer Ayesha Shroff. The financial hit was so severe that assets had to be sold and the impact rippled through Jackie Shroff’s family, who were linked to the production.

Years later, Gulshan Grover opened up about the episode, subtly calling out Katrina for not discussing the infamous scene. He suggested that ignoring the past didn’t help anyone, especially when the scene had become a footnote in Bollywood’s history of bold movies.

Despite the early hiccup, Katrina Kaif turned the uncomfortable memory into a stepping stone. She went on to star in blockbusters, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Hindi cinema. The story of her debut serves as a reminder of how an uneasy start can lead to a stellar career when perseverance meets opportunity.