'I'm Ready To Take Risks'

An ‘outsider’ in the industry, Jacqueline Fernandez has come a long way from being just another pretty face in the frame. Frank and fearless, the soon-to be-released Race 3 actor talks about the Bollywood race, what she really thinks of social media, and why everyone should love their bodies.

- Meghna Sharma

Jacqueline Fernandez walks into the Duplex Suite at the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Hotel, where the Cosmo cover shoot is taking place. We’re rushing for time, but before she settles into her make-up chair, it’s warm hugs and greetings all around. She squeals when she sees Shaan Muttathil, her long-time make-up artist and friend, and jumps up to hug him. And suddenly the room is filled with energy. That’s Jackie (yes, she likes being called that)—exactly what you see her as on social media—warm, giggly, and surprisingly friendly.

“That’s just how I am. I’m always, or at least, I always try to be happy and nice to people. But it often makes them think that it’s just a facade, you know what I mean?” she declares. I nod in agreement

She smiles at the waiter, and asks for a cup of coffee, explaining that she’s feeling a little dazed. She’s wrapping up the last leg of Race 3 , which means crazy working hours. But there is no ‘skimmed milk, decaf, no sugar’ addendum. Jackie just wants a no-tantrum, regular cappuccino, if you will. That’s pretty much who she in a nutshell— authentic.

I compliment Jackie on her glowing skin. “Thank you,” she beams and tells me how obsessed she is with skincare (she’s been using The Body Shop’s Drops Of Light range, and confesses that she’s a big fan). “It has completely transformed my skin, you should try it. Oh, and sunscreen. It’s a must,” Jackie adds, revealing that she swears by the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50++++ by The Body Shop. And as Shaan is working a crazy, four-shade ombré lip on her (“for fun”), Jackie lets us in that she loves experimenting with make-up too.