At the age of 14, Kaif started modeling for a jewellery campaign in London, and was subsequently discovered by filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, who gave her a part in his film Boom (2003).

She moved to Mumbai and was offered a number of modelling assignments. However, filmmakers were at first hesitant to sign her because of her linguistic shortcomings. Films that did feature her usually had her voice dubbed over by a native speaker of the film's language.