There was a time when Bollywood fans could not stop grooving to Jumma Chumma. The energetic song from Hum became a cultural phenomenon, and while Amitabh Bachchan brought his superstar charisma to the screen, actress Kimi Katkar’s glamorous presence turned her into a nationwide sensation overnight. Decades later, fans still remember her as the unforgettable “Jumma Chumma girl.”
But despite reaching immense popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kimi made a surprising decision that shocked many, she walked away from Bollywood at the peak of her career. Today, 35 years later, the actress lives a quiet life away from the glamour industry.
From modelling to becoming Bollywood’s ‘Tarzan Girl’
Born to actress Meena Fernandez, Kimi entered the entertainment world at a very young age. She started modelling when she was just 17 and quickly caught attention because of her confident screen presence and glamorous image.
She made her acting debut in Patthar Dil in a supporting role. However, her real breakthrough came the same year with Adventures of Tarzan opposite Hemant Birje. The film became hugely popular and gave Kimi the tag of Bollywood’s “Tarzan Girl,” a title that continues to follow her even today.
Following the success of the film, Kimi became one of the busiest actresses of that period. She went on to feature in several successful movies, including Dariya Dil, Sone Pe Suhaaga, Gair Kanooni and Khoon Ka Karz. At one point, Kimi reportedly had nearly 15 releases in a single year in 1989, making her one of the most in-demand glamour stars in Bollywood.
The song that made her a sensation
Although Kimi had already established herself in films, it was Jumma Chumma that took her popularity to another level. Her chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and her energetic performance in the song made her a household name across India.
Even today, the song remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic dance tracks. For many fans, Kimi’s identity continues to be strongly associated with the blockbuster number from Hum.
Why Kimi Katkar quit films at her peak
Just when her career was soaring, Kimi decided to step away from the film industry. Her final appearance was in Zulm Ki Hukumat alongside Dharmendra and Govinda. Soon after, she married photographer and advertising filmmaker Shantanu Shorey and shifted her focus completely towards family life.
In a 2025 conversation with Sheeba on YouTube, Kimi opened up about the reason behind her sudden exit from Bollywood. She explained, "One of my main reasons to give up was that at that time I couldn't imagine balancing my professional and personal life together. At that time, you had to look single, be single, you couldn't date anybody because someone looking at you on screen should think that they are yours and things like that. I just realised, I have one life to live and live all in one. I have been a model, I have been lucky enough to join the movies, and then I acted with the best person (Amitabh Bachchan). I wanted to be a young mother."
Where is Kimi Katkar now?
Unlike many stars from the 1980s and 1990s who later returned to television or reality shows, Kimi chose to stay away from the spotlight completely. After spending several years in Australia with her husband and son Siddhanth, she eventually returned to India.
Today, Kimi lives in Goa with her family and enjoys a peaceful life away from cameras and film sets. During her conversation with Sheeba, she revealed that she has also discovered a passion for baking and even completed a six-month baking course.
Now a grandmother, Kimi may no longer appear on the silver screen, but her songs, films and glamorous screen presence continue to keep her memory alive among Bollywood fans. Stay tuned for more such stories!
But despite reaching immense popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kimi made a surprising decision that shocked many, she walked away from Bollywood at the peak of her career. Today, 35 years later, the actress lives a quiet life away from the glamour industry.
From modelling to becoming Bollywood’s ‘Tarzan Girl’
Born to actress Meena Fernandez, Kimi entered the entertainment world at a very young age. She started modelling when she was just 17 and quickly caught attention because of her confident screen presence and glamorous image.She made her acting debut in Patthar Dil in a supporting role. However, her real breakthrough came the same year with Adventures of Tarzan opposite Hemant Birje. The film became hugely popular and gave Kimi the tag of Bollywood’s “Tarzan Girl,” a title that continues to follow her even today.
Following the success of the film, Kimi became one of the busiest actresses of that period. She went on to feature in several successful movies, including Dariya Dil, Sone Pe Suhaaga, Gair Kanooni and Khoon Ka Karz. At one point, Kimi reportedly had nearly 15 releases in a single year in 1989, making her one of the most in-demand glamour stars in Bollywood.
The song that made her a sensation
Although Kimi had already established herself in films, it was Jumma Chumma that took her popularity to another level. Her chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and her energetic performance in the song made her a household name across India.Even today, the song remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic dance tracks. For many fans, Kimi’s identity continues to be strongly associated with the blockbuster number from Hum.
Why Kimi Katkar quit films at her peak
Just when her career was soaring, Kimi decided to step away from the film industry. Her final appearance was in Zulm Ki Hukumat alongside Dharmendra and Govinda. Soon after, she married photographer and advertising filmmaker Shantanu Shorey and shifted her focus completely towards family life.In a 2025 conversation with Sheeba on YouTube, Kimi opened up about the reason behind her sudden exit from Bollywood. She explained, "One of my main reasons to give up was that at that time I couldn't imagine balancing my professional and personal life together. At that time, you had to look single, be single, you couldn't date anybody because someone looking at you on screen should think that they are yours and things like that. I just realised, I have one life to live and live all in one. I have been a model, I have been lucky enough to join the movies, and then I acted with the best person (Amitabh Bachchan). I wanted to be a young mother."
Where is Kimi Katkar now?
Unlike many stars from the 1980s and 1990s who later returned to television or reality shows, Kimi chose to stay away from the spotlight completely. After spending several years in Australia with her husband and son Siddhanth, she eventually returned to India.Today, Kimi lives in Goa with her family and enjoys a peaceful life away from cameras and film sets. During her conversation with Sheeba, she revealed that she has also discovered a passion for baking and even completed a six-month baking course.
Now a grandmother, Kimi may no longer appear on the silver screen, but her songs, films and glamorous screen presence continue to keep her memory alive among Bollywood fans. Stay tuned for more such stories!
