No AC, limited electricity, zero luxury: Katrina Kaif’s mother, a lawyer, gave up London for Tamil Nadu village years ago for charity work

Katrina Kaif today is known for being one of the most sought-after leading ladies of the 2000s. She formed hit-on-screen pairings with several superstars, such as Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, etc, and also made a name for herself as an entrepreneur with the cosmetics brand Kay Beauty. As per an NDTV report, her net worth is approximately Rs 224 crore to Rs 263 crore. However, despite her stratospheric success, little is known about her mother, Suzanne Turquotte. Although she is sometimes seen accompanying her famous daughter at public events, Suzanne mostly keeps away from the limelight and has dedicated her life to uplifting underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu.

Who Is Katrina Kaif’s Mother, Suzanne Turquotte?

As per a Tehelka report, Suzanne was a lawyer who gave up her flourishing practice to dedicate herself to charity work. She left London and shifted to Tamil Nadu in 2008 and established the NGO Relief Projects India. At first, she concentrated on giving pupils attending government schools in rural areas free nighttime instruction. With programmes centred on child protection, healthcare, and education, the effort grew into a more comprehensive community development organization over time. Suzanne also founded Mountain View School in 2015. What started off as a tiny nursery serving fewer than 30 kids, most of whom came from underprivileged communities, grew into a nursery and primary school with over 300 pupils.

In an interview with ABP, the Namastey London star revealed that her mum lived a very modest life, devoid of luxuries in Madurai. “My mom stays in Madurai, where she has started a school for children. She is a teacher. She teaches there. And she is happy. It is because of her charities and blessings that I have reached these heights.”


She added, “It is not easy to live there. They don’t have access to electricity. It is available for 12 hours. Sometimes, when I want to FaceTime my mother, I cannot, because there is no electricity or sometimes even internet. So we have a normal call,” she said.

In another chat with Colors Cineplex, the actress said that due to the lack of electricity in the village, there is no AC. Yet her mother doesn’t mind as she is determined to empower the marginalised. “She lives in this condition, and she has always done so because she enjoys helping people. It’s a tough life. It takes a different kind of person. I don’t know if I could do that. My mom has been there for more than 15 years, I think,” she said.

In 2021, the Mere Brother Ki Dulhan star shared a picture of her mother on Instagram and shared her secret to being happy and content, despite having little. “I’ve often wondered how my mom is ALWAYS smiling (touchwood); now I understand it’s because she has dedicated herself to a life of service, and that is the greatest joy one can have..."

Suzanne and Katrina Kaif's father, Mohammed Kaif, separated when Katrina was very young. Mohammed went to America, and she has not been in contact with her father since.

“My father is not an influence; he was not part of our family. My parents separated when I was very young, and I have never met him since," she told Tehelka once.