Jacqueline Fernandez - Little Miss Sunshine

Navigating through bollywood is no mean feat, more so, if you don't have a filmi background. However, Jacqueline Fernandez is proof that perseverance goes a long way. She chats with Nikshubha Garg about finding her feet, turning entrepreneur, and the secret behind her cheerful personality

- Nikshubha Garg

Once written off over her acting skills, Jacqueline Fernandez has not only hit back at naysayers with her body of work, but, at present, is one of the most sought after actors in Bollywood. Besides being an actor, the star now dons the hat of an entrepreneur, a role which is close to her heart, and which she fulfills with equal ease. Over to the actor.

From Miss Universe Sri Lanka to Salman Khan’s leading lady, if you had to describe your journey in one sentence, what would that be?

An extremely unusual journey, but a blessed one.

Initially, you faced criticism with many writing you off. What kept you motivated?

Just the fact that I was still being able to work with some of the biggest stars in the industry, in big-banner films. Also, the criticism was coming mainly from film critics, and not from the audience. I had fans, so obviously I was doing something right.

Which film do you consider to be the turning point of your career?

Murder 2.

Are you far more critical of the films you choose now, or do you prefer to go with the flow?

I used to be a ‘go-with-the-flow’ person. It was a great method to have at the beginning of my career and worked really well. But now, in this later stage once I have established myself, I do have the opportunity to be a more choosy about the films I do.

Tell us one major difference between Jacqueline, the actor, five years ago and now.

Five years ago the actor never took any days off, and was extremely stressed about work, not taking away from the fact that she enjoyed the process. Today’s Jacqueline likes to take a step back and is deliberate about her actions and the choices that she is making. That freedom feels liberating.

What qualities, according to you, are necessary to sustain in Bollywood?