Box office super star, Katrina Kaif, whose last on-screen appearance was in the 2024 thriller Merry Christmas, is these days more focussed on her personal life away from the showbiz while building her beauty brand, which is turning out to be as successful as her Bollywood career. We caught up with the gorgeous actress at the at the unveiling of Rado’s festive campaign titled “The Time is Now”. What makes Katrina the perfect brand ambassador of Rado, known as the Master of Materials, is the understated elegance that is also a trademark of the global watch brand. In her own words: “It is that understated elegance which quietly makes a statement without trying too hard.” Excerpt from a quick and candid chat: 

The campaign celebrates the art of meaningful gifting, with RADO timepieces symbolising presence, sentiment & enduring elegance. 
 

What kind of watches do you prefer? Would you call yourself a watch nerd? 
I wouldn’t say I’m a watch nerd in the strict sense, but I do have a deep appreciation for watches. For me, a watch is not just about telling time—it’s about how it makes you feel when you wear it. I like pieces that are elegant, versatile, and timeless—something that can seamlessly transition from day to night. I enjoy watches that carry a sense of history but still feel modern on the wrist. 
 

Tell us something about your personal watch collection. Which one is your all-time favourite? 
My collection is not vast, but each piece has a special meaning attached to it. I’ve always preferred to keep things personal rather than just collect for the sake of it.  
 

Which one is your all-time favourite? 
One of my most treasured is a classic piece gifted to me during the early years of my career—it holds an emotional value that no other can match. It reminds me of the journey and the milestones along the way. 
 

What do you like about Rado watches? 

They strike this beautiful balance between design and comfort—modern, yet timeless, and never too overpowering. They also carry this reminder to live in the present, to value the moments we’re in right now. In many ways, wearing one feels like a gentle nudge to embrace the time that is now. 
 

One family heirloom you own? 
An heirloom passed down by my grandmother. It’s simple, but it carries generations of love and meaning, which makes it priceless to me. 
 

What is the most precious gift you have got from your husband? 
 More than material gifts, it’s his encouragement and support that I cherish the most. He has this wonderful way of reminding me to believe in myself and to keep pushing forward, especially during times when I doubt myself. That reassurance is something no gift can ever replace. 
 

What is the most overused piece of garment in your wardrobe? 
 An oversized white shirt. It’s my go-to comfort piece—I’ve worn it while traveling, lounging at home, and even styled it up for a meeting. It has probably been through more occasions than I can count. 
 

Three things about you that people don’t usually associate with you? 
 I’m very disciplined about my routines, I find gardening therapeutic, and I can lose myself completely in a book—I can sit and read for hours without noticing the time. 
 

One guilty pleasure: 
Dark chocolate. Especially late at night when the day has finally quieted down. 
 

If your husband wants to surprise you with a meal he has cooked, what would it entail? 
I think it would be something simple yet heartfelt—like a pasta with garlic and olive oil, cooked with care. Food made with love, no matter how basic, is always special. 
 

The most useless talent of yours? 
 I have an oddly good memory for song lyrics—even from songs I haven’t heard in years. Completely useless in most situations, but fun when it comes up at random. 
 

One skillset you have mastered after getting married? 
I would say patience. It’s something I’ve always been working on, but marriage has helped me grow in that aspect—it teaches you to slow down, to listen, and to understand another person’s perspective better. 
 

If we can turn back the clocks, which is that one movie of your career that you would want to reshoot? 
Honestly, none. Even the films that didn’t go as planned taught me something important. They all shaped me, whether in terms of experience, resilience, or perspective. I wouldn’t want to change that. 
 

What is that one thing you wish a teenage Katrina knew? 
That you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Life unfolds in its own rhythm, and often the moments of uncertainty lead to the most beautiful outcomes. 
 

What is the moment in your life you want to freeze? 
A recent holiday with my family where we left our phones aside and just spent time laughing, talking, and being with one another. Those are the moments that feel eternal. 
 

What is that one piece of advice you would give to that younger self? 
Trust yourself more. You’re doing far better than you think, and things will fall into place in ways you can’t imagine yet. 
 

What is the one thing you would change about yourself? 
I’d like to worry less about the things I can’t control. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning. 
 

Most challenging dance step or sequence—one that took you the longest to ace? 
There have been so many! The high-energy songs with endless footwork and constant expressions always test my stamina and discipline. It’s exhausting in the moment but so rewarding once you’ve nailed it. 
 

3 things on your 2025 to-do list that you are yet to tick off? 
Spending more time with family, taking a solo trip, learning a new language, and dedicating more time to painting. 
 

It is 2040; what does a perfect day look like for you? 
I see a perfect day as one spent with family, starting with a quiet morning, a walk by the beach, laughter over a long meal, and ending with a good book in hand. Simple moments, but the kind that make life truly meaningful.