Who is Katrina Kaif’s mother? Her journey from London to running an NGO in Tamil Nadu
Suzanne’s journey began with the establishment of Relief Projects India (RPI), a grassroots non-profit working with children and families in villages around Usilampatti in Madurai district
- Sep 23, 2026,
- Updated Sep 23, 2026 8:00 AM IST
Actor Katrina Kaif has built a successful career in Bollywood, but her mother Suzanne Turquotte has spent the last 15-plus years following a very different path. Away from the glamour of Mumbai, Suzanne moved from London to rural Tamil Nadu in 2008 and dedicated herself to education, healthcare and community development, reported by India Today.
Suzanne’s journey began with the establishment of Relief Projects India (RPI), a grassroots non-profit working with children and families in villages around Usilampatti in Madurai district. According to the organisation, it initially started with free evening tuition centres for children studying in government schools. The initiative later expanded into a wider community-development programme.
READ THIS: FCRA rules 2026 tighten foreign-fund compliance: 10 changes NGOs must know
Why did Katrina Kaif’s mother move to Tamil Nadu?
Suzanne chose to leave her life in London and settle in rural Tamil Nadu to work with disadvantaged communities. RPI says its early work was inspired by efforts to support vulnerable children, including a home that rescued unwanted baby girls. The organisation subsequently expanded its focus to education and social awareness in surrounding villages.
Over the years, Suzanne’s work has increasingly focused on keeping children in school, particularly girls, while addressing wider issues affecting families in rural communities.
From tuition centres to a school for 300-plus children
One of Suzanne’s major initiatives is Mountain View School, which she co-founded in 2015. The school started as a small nursery with fewer than 30 children aged between three and five, primarily from economically disadvantaged farming families.
According to Relief Projects India, the institution has since grown into an English-medium nursery and primary school with 305 students from LKG to Grade 5. The organisation plans to expand the school further so children can continue their education beyond primary grades.
Katrina has previously spoken about her mother’s role at the school, saying that Suzanne teaches children, helps develop the curriculum and trains teachers. The actor has also described her mother as being happy with the life she has chosen.
What work does Suzanne’s NGO do?
Relief Projects India currently works across 25 villages and says its programmes have reached more than 14,000 people. Its work extends beyond schooling to health awareness, life-skills education, women’s empowerment and child protection.
The organisation also runs 10 free evening tuition centres and works with government departments, healthcare facilities, schools and local organisations. Its programmes have included haemoglobin testing, eye camps, TB and HIV screening, cervical cancer awareness and support for girls at risk of dropping out of school or entering early marriage.
ALSO READ: Vijay’s UK visit brings ₹15,300 crore investment commitments to Tamil Nadu, over 10,000 jobs
Katrina on her mother’s simple life
Katrina has previously spoken about the difficult living conditions her mother accepts while continuing her work. She said her mother sometimes has to manage without electricity and internet connectivity for several hours, making even video calls difficult.
Katrina has also said that her mother’s charitable work influenced the way she and her siblings grew up. Despite her own success, Katrina continues to support her mother’s initiative financially, while Suzanne remains focused on her work in rural Tamil Nadu.
Actor Katrina Kaif has built a successful career in Bollywood, but her mother Suzanne Turquotte has spent the last 15-plus years following a very different path. Away from the glamour of Mumbai, Suzanne moved from London to rural Tamil Nadu in 2008 and dedicated herself to education, healthcare and community development, reported by India Today.
Suzanne’s journey began with the establishment of Relief Projects India (RPI), a grassroots non-profit working with children and families in villages around Usilampatti in Madurai district. According to the organisation, it initially started with free evening tuition centres for children studying in government schools. The initiative later expanded into a wider community-development programme.
READ THIS: FCRA rules 2026 tighten foreign-fund compliance: 10 changes NGOs must know
Why did Katrina Kaif’s mother move to Tamil Nadu?
Suzanne chose to leave her life in London and settle in rural Tamil Nadu to work with disadvantaged communities. RPI says its early work was inspired by efforts to support vulnerable children, including a home that rescued unwanted baby girls. The organisation subsequently expanded its focus to education and social awareness in surrounding villages.
Over the years, Suzanne’s work has increasingly focused on keeping children in school, particularly girls, while addressing wider issues affecting families in rural communities.
From tuition centres to a school for 300-plus children
One of Suzanne’s major initiatives is Mountain View School, which she co-founded in 2015. The school started as a small nursery with fewer than 30 children aged between three and five, primarily from economically disadvantaged farming families.
According to Relief Projects India, the institution has since grown into an English-medium nursery and primary school with 305 students from LKG to Grade 5. The organisation plans to expand the school further so children can continue their education beyond primary grades.
Katrina has previously spoken about her mother’s role at the school, saying that Suzanne teaches children, helps develop the curriculum and trains teachers. The actor has also described her mother as being happy with the life she has chosen.
What work does Suzanne’s NGO do?
Relief Projects India currently works across 25 villages and says its programmes have reached more than 14,000 people. Its work extends beyond schooling to health awareness, life-skills education, women’s empowerment and child protection.
The organisation also runs 10 free evening tuition centres and works with government departments, healthcare facilities, schools and local organisations. Its programmes have included haemoglobin testing, eye camps, TB and HIV screening, cervical cancer awareness and support for girls at risk of dropping out of school or entering early marriage.
ALSO READ: Vijay’s UK visit brings ₹15,300 crore investment commitments to Tamil Nadu, over 10,000 jobs
Katrina on her mother’s simple life
Katrina has previously spoken about the difficult living conditions her mother accepts while continuing her work. She said her mother sometimes has to manage without electricity and internet connectivity for several hours, making even video calls difficult.
Katrina has also said that her mother’s charitable work influenced the way she and her siblings grew up. Despite her own success, Katrina continues to support her mother’s initiative financially, while Suzanne remains focused on her work in rural Tamil Nadu.