Years before she shared screen space with Salman Khan in Veer (2010) actress Zareen Khan was just another Bollywood fan. And now a viral video from 2008 has taken the internet by storm — one where a glowing visibly thrilled Zareen is seen taking Katrina Kaif’s autograph at the Race premiere.

The clip posted recently on Zareen’s Instagram captures a full-circle moment. In the caption she writes Oh my God! Watching this video brings back such fresh memories. I remember this moment so well… This was the premiere of the film Race. A big thank you to a friend who got us the passes. Back then I was just a wide-eyed fan never imagined I’d be part of the industry someday.

She continues But look at how happy I am in this video—completely fangirling grinning ear to ear getting an autograph from someone I found so beautiful.

Before the big break

Interestingly Race released in 2008—two years before Zareen’s Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Veer. The clip not only highlights the unpredictability of destiny but also Zareen’s genuine admiration for Kaif whom many had initially compared her to.

Hailing from a Pathan family Zareen studied at Rizvi College of Science. Post her 12th she took up a call centre job while juggling modelling assignments. Her dream however was to join an airline—until her weight became a roadblock.

A chance encounter with Salman Khan

Motivated to lose weight she eventually slimmed down. One day while visiting the set of Yuvvraaj she caught Salman Khan’s attention. Impressed he offered her the lead role in Veer marking her Bollywood debut in 2010.

Later she also featured in the popular song Character Dheela from Ready and played a key role in Housefull 2. She expanded her career across Punjabi Tamil Telugu and Hindi cinema with films like Jatt James Bond Hate Story 3 and Nan Rajavaga Pogiren.

The journey continues

Zareen was last seen in Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele alongside Anshuman Jha. Her journey from the red carpet of Race as a fan to carving a space of her own in the film industry is a heartening reminder: dreams do come true—sometimes just after an autograph.