Before Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif rose to superstardom in Bollywood, they were among the early faces featured in Vijay Mallya’s iconic Kingfisher Calendar. Launched in 2003 under the Kingfisher brand and shot by renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar, the calendar became a cultural sensation by the late 2000s. Known for its bold themes and glamorous swimsuit shoots in exotic locations, the Kingfisher Calendar served as a powerful launchpad for future Bollywood actresses.
In a recent interview on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Vijay Mallya reflected on the legacy of the Kingfisher Calendar, crediting its success to the selection of the “right girls.” He said, “We chose the right girls, whether it was Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif… we had all the heroines and stars on the calendar at a younger age. We picked the right talent.” The calendar not only boosted the modeling careers of these women but also played a key role in shaping the glamorous image associated with early 2000s Bollywood.
