After Kareena Kapoor who got to work with all three Khans in the last one-and-a-half year or so, now it’s her rival Katrina Kaif’s turn to have the exciting phase in her career. Katrina Kaif is working with all three Khans this year, bringing it in with Salman Khan in Ek Tha Tiger, followed by Yash Raj’s untitled venture with Shah Rukh Khan and Dhoom 3 with Aamir Khan.

And with Ek Tha Tiger storming the box office, Bollywood‘s lucky mascot Katrina, whose career has been compared to Hema Malini, has proved lucky yet again as the film goes on to rake unprecedented figures. It may be recalled that at the time of the release of Rajneeti, director Prakash Jha had said, “Katrina has no idea of her popularity. She has a very deep connect with audiences. She has the kind of image that Hema had.”

Says a trade source, “Katrina has been part of some of the huge commercial films, right from Welcome, Singh is King, Race, Rajneeti, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and adding to that hit roster now is Ek Tha Tiger that has gone on to garner historic figures. Katrina has always been associated with the right films and is dedicated both in her performances as well as experiencing the film making process, right through the filming to the promotions.”

While the action-entertainer makes for the actress’s 13th hit so far, critics and audiences alike don’t hold back praise for Katrina, who was lauded for her dignified performance and action sequences. Says critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh, “Katrina is not relegated to the backseat. Neither is she arm candy here. She has a meaty part and to her credit, she handles it with aplomb. Also, watch out for her stunts… This is a new Katrina here!”