Katrina Kaif's Duplicate? Zareen Khan's viral video sparks debate about forgotten Bollywood launch in 'Veer'

Once branded as Katrina Kaif’s lookalike and long forgotten by Bollywood’s fast-moving spotlight, actress Zareen Khan has suddenly found herself back in the headlines, this time, for something deeply personal and nostalgic.

On Saturday, Zareen posted a heartfelt throwback video on Instagram that’s now gone viral across social media. The clip, taken during the premiere of the 2008 film Race, shows a young Zareen, then just a fan, walking up to Katrina Kaif and taking her autograph with starry-eyed excitement. This candid fan-girl moment has not only touched hearts but also reopened a bittersweet chapter of Zareen’s Bollywood journey.

In her emotional caption, Zareen reflected on life before and after her big-screen debut in Salman Khan’s Veer (2010). “I never imagined I’d join the industry one day,” she wrote. Little did she know back then that she would soon be cast opposite Salman himself in a grand period drama, a launch that promised a dream run but ended up clouded by harsh comparisons and industry backlash.

Her resemblance to Katrina Kaif became both her claim to fame and the very label that held her back. “At first, I was happy about the comparisons,” Zareen admitted in an interview, “especially because I had been overweight and never thought I looked like a Bollywood heroine. But it all backfired.”

Despite landing a coveted debut, Zareen was soon boxed into the “lookalike” tag. The same buzz that introduced her to millions also overshadowed her identity. She was trolled mercilessly online, judged for her fashion choices, and written off by many in the industry. “I felt like a lost child... and people thought I was arrogant just because Salman launched me,” she confessed.

But now, years later, that video, once just a fleeting fan moment, is resonating with thousands who are rediscovering Zareen’s story with fresh eyes. Her honesty, vulnerability, and journey from a wide-eyed admirer to a woman finding her own ground are finally getting the attention they deserve.