Jacqueline Genevieve Fernandez was born on 11 August 1985 in Manama, Bahrain, into a multicultural family. Her father, Elroy Fernandez, a Sri Lankan Burgher, and her mother, Kim, of Malaysian and Canadian descent, created a rich cultural environment for Jacqueline and her three siblings. Her father, initially a musician in Sri Lanka, relocated to Bahrain during the civil unrest in the 1980s, where he met Kim, an air hostess. Jacqueline received her early education at Sacred Heart School in Bahrain before pursuing a degree in mass communication at the University of Sydney, Australia.
After graduating, Jacqueline returned to Sri Lanka, where she worked as a television reporter and pursued a career in modeling. In 2006, she was crowned Miss Universe Sri Lanka, representing her country at the Miss Universe pageant held in Los Angeles. Jacqueline’s foray into modeling and beauty pageants laid a solid foundation for her acting career, which she began in India.
Acting Debut and Breakthrough (2009–2013)
Jacqueline Fernandez’s journey in Bollywood began with a modeling assignment in India in 2009, where she successfully auditioned for Sujoy Ghosh’s fantasy film Aladin. Though the film did not fare well commercially, Jacqueline’s performance earned her the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female.
Her breakthrough role came in 2011 with the psychological thriller Murder 2. This film, a commercial success, marked a significant turning point in her career. She then appeared in the ensemble comedy Housefull 2 (2012) and the action thriller Race 2 (2013), both of which were commercially successful and solidified her status in Bollywood.
Commercial Success (2014–2018)
Jacqueline’s career skyrocketed with her role in Kick (2014), opposite Salman Khan. The film became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year, establishing her as a popular and bankable star. She continued her success streak with films like Housefull 3 (2016), Dishoom (2016), and Judwaa 2 (2017).
In 2018, she starred in Race 3, which, despite receiving mixed reviews, was a box office success. This period of her career was marked by significant commercial hits, although critical reception varied.
Career Challenges and Recent Work (2019-Present)
In recent years, Jacqueline’s films have struggled with critical acclaim. Movies like Drive (2019) and Mrs. Serial Killer (2020) did not meet expectations. However, she found success in the Kannada film Vikrant Rona (2022), which was well-received commercially. Her upcoming projects include Welcome To The Jungle alongside Akshay Kumar.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Jacqueline maintains a close bond with her family, despite the challenges of living away from them. She has had notable relationships, including a high-profile romance with Bahraini prince Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa and a relationship with director Sajid Khan, both of which attracted significant media attention.
Apart from acting, Jacqueline is involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting animal welfare and other charitable causes. She has been named “Woman Of The Year” by PETA India and is an advocate for veganism. She has also ventured into business, co-founding an activewear clothing line called Just F and investing in the beverage company Raw Pressery.
In the Media
Jacqueline Fernandez has been a prominent figure in the media, consistently featured in lists like Eastern Eye’s “World’s Sexiest Asian Women” and The Times of India’s “Most Desirable Woman”. She has also been recognized for her fashion sense and has endorsed numerous brands, from HTC One to Forevermark Diamonds.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Fernandez’s journey from a beauty queen in Sri Lanka to a celebrated Bollywood actress is a testament to her versatility and determination. With her diverse cultural background, talent, and business acumen, she continues to be a significant figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring many with her achievements both on and off the screen.
