Katrina Kaif is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, known for her successful film career, glamorous lifestyle and business ventures. But away from the spotlight, her mother, Suzanne Turquotte, chose a completely different path.
While Katrina built a life in the world of cinema, Suzanne moved away from the glamour and settled in rural Tamil Nadu, where she has spent years working for children and families from disadvantaged communities. Her life there is centered around charity, education and helping people rather than luxury and fame.
Suzanne moved from London to Tamil Nadu in 2008 and went on to establish Relief Projects India (RPI), a grassroots organisation working with children and families in villages around Usilampatti in Madurai district. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to social work and education.
Katrina has spoken openly about the very different conditions in which her mother lives. According to the actor, Suzanne’s life in the village is not an easy one. Basic conveniences that people often take for granted are not always available, including reliable electricity and internet connectivity.
Katrina has described her mother’s lifestyle as a “tough life” but also explained that Suzanne continues to stay there because she genuinely enjoys helping people.
In one of her earlier comments, Katrina said that her mother lives in Madurai and runs a school for blind children. She also credited her mother’s charity work and the blessings Suzanne received from the people she helped for the success she has achieved in her own life.
“My mother lives in Madurai and runs a school for blind children. Because of her charity work, I have achieved everything in life. All of this is because of the blessings she received,” Katrina had said.
The actor has also spoken about how difficult it can sometimes be to stay connected with her mother. With electricity sometimes unavailable for several hours and internet connectivity unreliable, even something as simple as having a video call can become a challenge.
Despite these difficulties, Suzanne has continued to live and work in the village. Her decision to leave London and dedicate her life to social work reflects a very different definition of success from the one usually associated with the entertainment industry.
For Katrina, her mother’s journey has always been something she deeply respects. While she herself has spent years working in films and becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars, Suzanne has chosen to remain away from the limelight and focus on the people and communities she works with.
The contrast between their lives is striking. Katrina’s world involves films, red carpets, fashion and business, while her mother’s daily life revolves around education, charity and working with children in rural Tamil Nadu.
Yet, for Katrina, her mother’s contribution goes far beyond the life she has chosen for herself. The actor has repeatedly spoken about the impact of Suzanne’s work and how much she values the blessings and goodwill her mother has earned through helping others.
Suzanne’s story is therefore not about fame or luxury. It is about choosing a quieter life and spending years working for people who need support. And despite living far away from Bollywood, her journey remains an important part of Katrina Kaif’s own story.
