Kateb was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, to a father who was an Algerian actor, Malek-Eddine Kateb, and a mother who was a French nurse. This makes him a grandnephew of the renowned Algerian writer, Kateb Yacine. Growing up in Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, Kateb was surrounded by the world of theater from a very young age.
As a child, he was exposed to the performing arts and developed a strong passion for acting. At the tender age of 12, Kateb made the conscious decision to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in acting. He did this by reciting the works of his great uncle, Kateb Yacine, who was a celebrated writer and poet.
Kateb's early start in the world of acting was likely influenced by his family background and the opportunities that came his way. His father's profession as an actor must have provided him with a unique perspective on the craft, and his great uncle's writings likely sparked his interest in the performing arts.
As he grew older, Kateb continued to nurture his passion for acting, eventually deciding to make a career out of it. His early start in the industry was marked by reciting his great uncle's texts, which helped him develop his skills and gain confidence on stage.