Jacqueline Fernandez (born 11 August 1985) is a Bahraini-Sri Lankan actress, former model, and the winner of the Miss Universe pageant of 2006. One of the most popular actresses in India, she was the recipient of the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female in 2010. Alongside her acting career, Fernandez has participated in stage shows, and is active in humanitarian work.
Fernandez was born into a multiracial family of Canadian, Malaysian descent. She was born and was raised in Bahrain. After graduating in mass communication from the University of Sydney and working as a television reporter in Australia , she joined the modeling industry. She was crowned the Miss Universe 2006, and represented her country at Miss Universe 2006.
While on a modelling assignment in India in 2009, Fernandez successfully auditioned for Sujoy Ghosh's fantasy drama Aladin, which marked her acting debut. Fernandez had her breakthrough role with Mohit Suri's psychological thriller Murder 2 (2011), her first commercial success. This was followed by glamorous roles in the ensemble-comedy Housefull 2 (2012) and the action thriller Race 2 (2013)—both of which were box-office successes. Her performance in the former garnered her an IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. In 2014, Fernandez played the leading lady in Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick, which is one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time.
According to Fernandez, she had aspired to become an actress at a young age and fantasized about becoming a Hollywood movie star.[10] Although, she was a television reporter, she accepted offers in the modeling industry, which came as a result of her pageant entrance. In 2006, she was crowned the Miss Universe and represented her state at Miss Universe 2006 which was held in Los Angeles.[11] In a 2015 interview, Fernandez described the modeling industry as "a good training ground" and said "It is a medium that is about shedding your inhibitions, knowing your body, confidence".[12] In 2006, Fernandez appeared in a music video for the song "O Sathi" by music duo Bathiya and Santhush.[13]
In 2009, Fernandez traveled to India for a modeling assignment. She studied acting under the mentorship of theatre director Barry John, and successfully auditioned for Sujoy Ghosh's fantasy film Aladin (2009). Featuring as the love interest of Riteish Deshmukh's character, it marked her acting debut, and she played a role based on the Princess Jasmine character.[14][15] For her performance, Fernandez received mixed reviews, with Anupama Chopra of NDTV calling her a "plastic debutant".[16] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN felt that she "is easy on the eyes and appears confident but has precious little to do".[17] The film was a critical and commercial failure,[18] and garnered her an IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year - Female.[19]
In 2010, Fernandez appeared opposite Deshmukh in the science fiction romantic comedy Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai. She was cast as a girl from Venus, who lands on Earth in search of love.[14] She received mainly negative reviews for her performance. Writing for Rediff.com, Sukanya Verma added: "She gamely makes a fool of herself whilst aping the actions of movie stars, ranging from Sridevi's Naagin dance, Mithun Chakravarthy's Disco Dancer moves to Big B's violent headshake in Hum. Her Tara could be a keeper if only Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai wasn't so intent on turning her into a love-struck Barbie."[20] Critic Anupama Chopra also criticized her, calling her "a pin-prick on a balloon".[21] With mixed reviews, the film bombed at the box-office.[22] Later that year, she made a cameo appearance in Sajid Khan's Housefull in the song "Dhanno".[23]
In 2011, Fernandez appeared in her third film, Mahesh Bhatt's thriller Murder 2, her first commercial success.[24] She played the role of Priya, a lonely model who is in a confused relationship with Arjun Bhagwat (played by Emraan Hashmi). Fernandez was praised for the her performance, and for the boldness and sex appeal she displayed in the film.[25] Gaurav Malini of The Times of India stated that Fernandez was "tastefully tempting" but noted that her romance with Hashmi was "literally half-baked".[26] Murder 2 marked a turning point in Fernandez's career, and she received offers to star in films, such as Raaz 3, which she refused to avoid being typecast as a sex symbol.[27][28] In 2012, Fernandez appeared in Housefull 2 with an ensemble cast which included Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, and Asin. It became one of the top grossing productions of India that year and grossed ₹1.86 billion (US$28 million) worldwide. Fernandez received mostly negative reviews for her performance. While Gaurav Malini praised her for her looks, NDTV called her a "blathering bimbo" who "find[s] no pleasure in [her role]".[29][30] For her performance, Fernandez received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 14th IIFA Awards.[31]
Fernandez's first release of 2013 was Race 2, an ensemble action thriller, described as the "cinematic equivalent of a trashy novel" by critic Rajeev Masand.[32] To prepare for the role of Omisha, a femme fatale, she learnt fencing and some acrobatics.[33] Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box-office hit,[34][35] with collections surpassing the ₹1 billion (US$15 million) mark in domestic ticket sales.[36][37] On her performance Lisa Tsering, of The Hollywood Reporter stated: "Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez, a leggy beauty with a talent for action who now counts seven Indian films under her belt, is another plus. Welcome to Bollywood, Miss Fernandez".[38] However, Rubina A Khan of Firstpost called her unnoticeable and criticized her wig and hair.[39] Fernandez also appeared in an item number titled "Jaadu Ki Jhappi" for Prabhu Deva's Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya.[40]
In 2014, Fernandez appeared in Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial debut—the action film Kick, a remake of a 2009 Telugu film of same name. She featured opposite Salman Khan, and played Shaina, a psychiatric student.[41] She retained her real voice for the first time in Kick.[42] On her performance, Sneha May Francis commented that she is "incredibly dazzling, and moves like a magic",[43] while critic Mohar Basu found her chemistry with Khan "palpable".[44] However, Raja Sen of Rediff.com was more critical of her dialogue delivery, calling it "unfortunate."[45] The film received mixed reviews from critics, but with a worldwide revenue of over ₹3.75 billion (US$57 million), it became the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film.[46] The film established Fernandez as one of the most popular actresses of Bollywood.[47][48]
In 2015, Fernandez featured in Vicky Singh's Roy, a romantic thriller which critic Sarita A. Tanwar described as a "boring, exhausting and pretentious" film.[49] Fernandez played dual roles in the film—Ayesha Aamir, a London-based filmmaker in a relationship with a womanizer (played by Arjun Rampal), and Tia Desai, a girl in love with a thief (played by Ranbir Kapoor).[50] The film garnered mixed reviews as did Fernandez's performance.[51] While India TV called it "her best act till date",[52] critic Rajeev Masand felt that she "appears miscast in a part that required greater range."[53] Roy failed to meet its box-office expectations, and was a commercial failure.[54] Later that year, she appeared in a guest appearance for the comedy-satire Bangistan, playing Rosie, a role, which was panned by critics, calling it a "snoozefest".[55]
Karan Malhotra's action drama Brothers was Fernandez's next release. Co-starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra, Fernandez played Jenny, a fearless mother struggling for her child, a role which she described as "challenging", "intense", and "difficult".[56] The role marked a departure from the glamorous characters that she had a reputation for portraying.[57] Film critics praised Fernandez's performance, though their response to the film was mixed. Dhriti Sharma of Zee News called her character "soft, timid and promising", and praised her for "convincingly pull[ing] off a pleasing character of a street fighter's wife".[58] Film critic Subhash K. Jha noted that she "in a limited role gives her finest emotive shot",[59] while critic Raja Sen remarked "[she] plays Kumar's long-sobbing wife who gets so deliriously happy on seeing a text message that it may well have contained news about a Kick sequel."[60]
As of September 2015, Fernandez has several projects in various stages of production. She has completed shooting for Chandran Rutnam's English-Sri Lankan crime-thriller According to Mathew, and the horror thriller Definition of Fear, which marks her Hollywood debut.[42][61] Fernandez has also signed on to appear in three other projects—Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom opposite Varun Dhawan and John Abraham as a part of three-film deal with Nadiadwala production, Remo D'Souza's Flying Jat opposite Tiger Shroff and in an Indo-Chinese film opposite with Abhay Deol, Amitabh Bachchan and Jackie Chan titled Gold Struck.[62][63][64]
Fernandez shares a close bond with her family, and admits to missing the presence of them.[4]
She says, "I miss them so much everyday. You don't realise when you
live away from home how difficult life can be [...] At the same time,
staying away from them has taught me to be more responsible. It has
taught me so many things about myself, about priorities and time
management."[65] In March 2012, Fernandez turned vegetarian for a 40-day period to observe Lent, a period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.[66]
In 2008, Fernandez started dating Bahraini prince Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa, whom she met at a common's friend party; they separated in 2011.[67][68] While filming Housefull 2 in 2011, Fernandez began a romantic relationship with director Sajid Khan.[69] The relationship attracted media coverage in India and they speculated on an impending wedding.[70] However, the relationship ended in May 2013.[71]
In addition to acting in films, Fernandez has supported charitable organisations and supports a number of causes.[72] In 2011, on the behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), she sent a letter to the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to stop horse-drawn carriage rides in Mumbai.[73] She asked the consulate general of the Philippines, William John T Perera in Colombo, to dispatch the transfer of an elephant from the inadequate Manila Zoo to a lush sanctuary in the early 2013.[74] Later that year, she auctioned a breakfast in Mayfair, London, where she raised around £4000 for the Pratham NGO, which helps children's primary education.[75] In 2014, Fernandez was named "Woman Of The Year" by PETA (India) for advocating the protection of animals.[76] The following year, she auctioned her outfits on an online portal for a philanthropic cause. Some of her outfits included the ones she wore in the song "Party On My Mind" (from Race 2) and "Hangover" (from Kick).[77]
Fernandez has participated in several concert tours and televised award ceremonies. In 2013, she performed at the Temptations Reloaded in Auckland, Perth, and Sydney alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Madhuri Dixit.[78][79] She also performed at the live talent show "Got Talent World Stage Live" with Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Varun Dhawan the following year.[80] In July 2014, Fernandez opened a restaurant in Colombo, Kaema Sutra, in collaboration with chef Dharshan Munidasa, which specialises in contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine.[81][82]
In the early 2013, Fernandez became the ambassador for HTC One, which she endorses in India.[83] She was the face of Indian Bridal Fashion Week—IBFW of 2013.[84] Later that year, she became the spokesperson for Gareth Pugh's designed Forevermark Diamonds in Mumbai,[85] and inaugurated Forever 21 store in Mumbai.[86] That year, she also launched Gillette Shaving System with Arbaaz Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur.[87]
While analysing Fernandez's career, India TV noted "Slowly and steadily
Jacqueline Fernandez is climbing up the ladder of success [...]
Jacqueline is comfortably grasping every aspect of the work, which an
actress is required to do and is accordingly giving results."[88] On the contrary, Charu Thakur of India Today criticized her acting skills, but remarked "[she has] managed to find her feet in Bollywood now by banking on glamorous roles".[55]
In 2008 and 2011, Fernandez featured in the UK magazine Eastern Eye 's "World's Sexiest Asian Women" list, ranking twelfth.[89][90] She was ranked third on The Times of India 's listing of the "Most Desirable Woman" in 2013 and 2014, after being ranked eighth, seventh and fourteenth, respectively, for the preceding three years.[91] In 2013, Rediff.com placed her on their list of "Bollywood's Best Dressed Actresses".[92] The following year, she held the sixty second position on the Indian edition of the Fobes' Celebrity 100, a list based on the income and popularity across India's celebrities.[93] She has been the cover model for many Indian editions of magazines, including Vogue,[94] FHM,[95] Maxim,[96] Cosmopolitan,[97] Grazia,[98] Elle,[99] Verve,[100] Harper's Bazaar,[101] Women's Health,[102] and L'Officiel among others.[103]
Fernandez was born into a multiracial family of Canadian, Malaysian descent. She was born and was raised in Bahrain. After graduating in mass communication from the University of Sydney and working as a television reporter in Australia , she joined the modeling industry. She was crowned the Miss Universe 2006, and represented her country at Miss Universe 2006.
While on a modelling assignment in India in 2009, Fernandez successfully auditioned for Sujoy Ghosh's fantasy drama Aladin, which marked her acting debut. Fernandez had her breakthrough role with Mohit Suri's psychological thriller Murder 2 (2011), her first commercial success. This was followed by glamorous roles in the ensemble-comedy Housefull 2 (2012) and the action thriller Race 2 (2013)—both of which were box-office successes. Her performance in the former garnered her an IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. In 2014, Fernandez played the leading lady in Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick, which is one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time.
Contents
Early life and modeling career
Fernandez was born on 11 August 1985 in Manama, Bahrain,[1][2][3] and was nurtured in a multi-ethnic family, where her father, Elroy and her mother, Kim is of Malaysian and Canadian ancestry.[5] She is the youngest of four children with one elder sister and two elder brothers.[2][4] According to Fernandez, before her birth, her mother was an air hostess, while her father is a musician.[4] Before becoming a television reporter, she hosted television shows in Bahrain at the age of fourteen.[6] After receiving her early education from Bahrain, she pursued a degree in mass communication from the University of Sydney in Australia.[7][8] She also joined the Berlitz school of languages, where she learnt Spanish and improved her French and Arabic.[9]According to Fernandez, she had aspired to become an actress at a young age and fantasized about becoming a Hollywood movie star.[10] Although, she was a television reporter, she accepted offers in the modeling industry, which came as a result of her pageant entrance. In 2006, she was crowned the Miss Universe and represented her state at Miss Universe 2006 which was held in Los Angeles.[11] In a 2015 interview, Fernandez described the modeling industry as "a good training ground" and said "It is a medium that is about shedding your inhibitions, knowing your body, confidence".[12] In 2006, Fernandez appeared in a music video for the song "O Sathi" by music duo Bathiya and Santhush.[13]
Acting career
2009–13
In 2010, Fernandez appeared opposite Deshmukh in the science fiction romantic comedy Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai. She was cast as a girl from Venus, who lands on Earth in search of love.[14] She received mainly negative reviews for her performance. Writing for Rediff.com, Sukanya Verma added: "She gamely makes a fool of herself whilst aping the actions of movie stars, ranging from Sridevi's Naagin dance, Mithun Chakravarthy's Disco Dancer moves to Big B's violent headshake in Hum. Her Tara could be a keeper if only Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai wasn't so intent on turning her into a love-struck Barbie."[20] Critic Anupama Chopra also criticized her, calling her "a pin-prick on a balloon".[21] With mixed reviews, the film bombed at the box-office.[22] Later that year, she made a cameo appearance in Sajid Khan's Housefull in the song "Dhanno".[23]
In 2011, Fernandez appeared in her third film, Mahesh Bhatt's thriller Murder 2, her first commercial success.[24] She played the role of Priya, a lonely model who is in a confused relationship with Arjun Bhagwat (played by Emraan Hashmi). Fernandez was praised for the her performance, and for the boldness and sex appeal she displayed in the film.[25] Gaurav Malini of The Times of India stated that Fernandez was "tastefully tempting" but noted that her romance with Hashmi was "literally half-baked".[26] Murder 2 marked a turning point in Fernandez's career, and she received offers to star in films, such as Raaz 3, which she refused to avoid being typecast as a sex symbol.[27][28] In 2012, Fernandez appeared in Housefull 2 with an ensemble cast which included Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, and Asin. It became one of the top grossing productions of India that year and grossed ₹1.86 billion (US$28 million) worldwide. Fernandez received mostly negative reviews for her performance. While Gaurav Malini praised her for her looks, NDTV called her a "blathering bimbo" who "find[s] no pleasure in [her role]".[29][30] For her performance, Fernandez received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 14th IIFA Awards.[31]
Fernandez's first release of 2013 was Race 2, an ensemble action thriller, described as the "cinematic equivalent of a trashy novel" by critic Rajeev Masand.[32] To prepare for the role of Omisha, a femme fatale, she learnt fencing and some acrobatics.[33] Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box-office hit,[34][35] with collections surpassing the ₹1 billion (US$15 million) mark in domestic ticket sales.[36][37] On her performance Lisa Tsering, of The Hollywood Reporter stated: "Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez, a leggy beauty with a talent for action who now counts seven Indian films under her belt, is another plus. Welcome to Bollywood, Miss Fernandez".[38] However, Rubina A Khan of Firstpost called her unnoticeable and criticized her wig and hair.[39] Fernandez also appeared in an item number titled "Jaadu Ki Jhappi" for Prabhu Deva's Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya.[40]
2014–present
Fernandez at the first look launch of Kick in 2014
In 2015, Fernandez featured in Vicky Singh's Roy, a romantic thriller which critic Sarita A. Tanwar described as a "boring, exhausting and pretentious" film.[49] Fernandez played dual roles in the film—Ayesha Aamir, a London-based filmmaker in a relationship with a womanizer (played by Arjun Rampal), and Tia Desai, a girl in love with a thief (played by Ranbir Kapoor).[50] The film garnered mixed reviews as did Fernandez's performance.[51] While India TV called it "her best act till date",[52] critic Rajeev Masand felt that she "appears miscast in a part that required greater range."[53] Roy failed to meet its box-office expectations, and was a commercial failure.[54] Later that year, she appeared in a guest appearance for the comedy-satire Bangistan, playing Rosie, a role, which was panned by critics, calling it a "snoozefest".[55]
Karan Malhotra's action drama Brothers was Fernandez's next release. Co-starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra, Fernandez played Jenny, a fearless mother struggling for her child, a role which she described as "challenging", "intense", and "difficult".[56] The role marked a departure from the glamorous characters that she had a reputation for portraying.[57] Film critics praised Fernandez's performance, though their response to the film was mixed. Dhriti Sharma of Zee News called her character "soft, timid and promising", and praised her for "convincingly pull[ing] off a pleasing character of a street fighter's wife".[58] Film critic Subhash K. Jha noted that she "in a limited role gives her finest emotive shot",[59] while critic Raja Sen remarked "[she] plays Kumar's long-sobbing wife who gets so deliriously happy on seeing a text message that it may well have contained news about a Kick sequel."[60]
As of September 2015, Fernandez has several projects in various stages of production. She has completed shooting for Chandran Rutnam's English-Sri Lankan crime-thriller According to Mathew, and the horror thriller Definition of Fear, which marks her Hollywood debut.[42][61] Fernandez has also signed on to appear in three other projects—Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom opposite Varun Dhawan and John Abraham as a part of three-film deal with Nadiadwala production, Remo D'Souza's Flying Jat opposite Tiger Shroff and in an Indo-Chinese film opposite with Abhay Deol, Amitabh Bachchan and Jackie Chan titled Gold Struck.[62][63][64]
Personal life and other work
Fernandez at the press conference of horse carriage ban initiative by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
In 2008, Fernandez started dating Bahraini prince Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa, whom she met at a common's friend party; they separated in 2011.[67][68] While filming Housefull 2 in 2011, Fernandez began a romantic relationship with director Sajid Khan.[69] The relationship attracted media coverage in India and they speculated on an impending wedding.[70] However, the relationship ended in May 2013.[71]
In addition to acting in films, Fernandez has supported charitable organisations and supports a number of causes.[72] In 2011, on the behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), she sent a letter to the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to stop horse-drawn carriage rides in Mumbai.[73] She asked the consulate general of the Philippines, William John T Perera in Colombo, to dispatch the transfer of an elephant from the inadequate Manila Zoo to a lush sanctuary in the early 2013.[74] Later that year, she auctioned a breakfast in Mayfair, London, where she raised around £4000 for the Pratham NGO, which helps children's primary education.[75] In 2014, Fernandez was named "Woman Of The Year" by PETA (India) for advocating the protection of animals.[76] The following year, she auctioned her outfits on an online portal for a philanthropic cause. Some of her outfits included the ones she wore in the song "Party On My Mind" (from Race 2) and "Hangover" (from Kick).[77]
Fernandez has participated in several concert tours and televised award ceremonies. In 2013, she performed at the Temptations Reloaded in Auckland, Perth, and Sydney alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Madhuri Dixit.[78][79] She also performed at the live talent show "Got Talent World Stage Live" with Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Varun Dhawan the following year.[80] In July 2014, Fernandez opened a restaurant in Colombo, Kaema Sutra, in collaboration with chef Dharshan Munidasa, which specialises in contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine.[81][82]
In the media
Fernandez unveiling the New HTC One.
In 2008 and 2011, Fernandez featured in the UK magazine Eastern Eye 's "World's Sexiest Asian Women" list, ranking twelfth.[89][90] She was ranked third on The Times of India 's listing of the "Most Desirable Woman" in 2013 and 2014, after being ranked eighth, seventh and fourteenth, respectively, for the preceding three years.[91] In 2013, Rediff.com placed her on their list of "Bollywood's Best Dressed Actresses".[92] The following year, she held the sixty second position on the Indian edition of the Fobes' Celebrity 100, a list based on the income and popularity across India's celebrities.[93] She has been the cover model for many Indian editions of magazines, including Vogue,[94] FHM,[95] Maxim,[96] Cosmopolitan,[97] Grazia,[98] Elle,[99] Verve,[100] Harper's Bazaar,[101] Women's Health,[102] and L'Officiel among others.[103]
Filmography
 |
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Aladin | Jasmine | |
| 2010 | Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai | Tara | |
| 2010 | Housefull | Dhanno | Special appearance in song "Aapka Kya Hoga (Dhanno)" |
| 2011 | Murder 2 | Priya | |
| 2012 | Housefull 2: The Dirty Dozen | Bobby Kapoor | |
| 2013 | Race 2 | Omisha | |
| 2013 | Ramaiya Vastavaiya | Unknown | Special appearance in song "Jaadu Ki Jhappi" |
| 2014 | Kick | Shaina Mehra | |
| 2015 | Roy | Ayesha / Tia (Dual Role) | |
| 2015 | Bangistan | Rosanna "Rosie" | Cameo Appearance |
| 2015 | Brothers | Jenny Fernandes | |
| 2016 | Definition of Fear |
Sarah Fording | Hollywood film Post-production[61] |
| 2016 | According to Mathew |
Daphne Reynolds | English-language film Completed[42] |
Awards
| Year | Organisation | Award | Film | Result | Ref. | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | IIFA Awards | Star Plus Debut of the Year – Female | Aladin | Won | [19] | |||||||||||
| 2010 | Stardust Awards | Exciting New Face | Aladin | Won | [104] | |||||||||||
| 2012 | Stardust Awards | Best Actress (Thriller/Action) | Murder 2 | Nominated | [105] | |||||||||||
| 2013 | IIFA Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Housefull 2 | Nominated | [31] | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 15th Asianet Film Awards | Most Stylish Bollywood Actress | N/A | Won | [106] | |||||||||||
| 2015 | BIG Star Entertainment Awards | BIG Star Most Entertaining Dancer | Kick (for the song "Jumme Ki Raat") | Won | [107] | |||||||||||
| 2015 | Stardust Awards | Style Diva | Kick | Won | [108] | |||||||||||
| 2015 | Screen Awards | Best Actress (Popular Choice) | Kick | Nominated | [109] |  |
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