>> JACQUELINE FEELS AT HOME IN MUMBAI,

There has been an ageold perception that unless someone does ‘serious cinema’, they don’t get the ‘respect’ as an actor? You cannot base your life on what other people think of you. I am extremely proud of the work I have done and the journey I have been through. I am proud of the things I have achieved. I would never put down the work I have done. Only I know the kind of hard work that has gone into the work that I have done. I am not looking for other people’s approval so they can say what they want to. Do you feel one of the biggest drawbacks of being a successful actor is that you get pitted against others? Absolutely, but that is the game. It is funny but I’ve realized that when I was less successful and less famous, no one really cared writing about a catfight I had or no one linked me up with anyone. But when I became successful, the articles started becoming nastier and more negative. It is human nature for all of us to gossip. When you are successful, people like to read the not-so-good things about you. It probably gives them a sense of satisfaction. I am fine with it because I ignore it in any case. After being in India for so long, do you feel like an ‘outsider’ or is it home now? Not at all, India is home now. I have everything here now except my family. Sometimes, when we have a long schedule abroad, I actually feel homesick for Mumbai. The only other place I feel homesick for is Sri Lanka, especially if I haven’t been there for a long time because I have grown up on Sri Lankan food and my family is there. But I have created a life in India now. So, has your Hindi improved now? It is good; I carry my book, Kore Kagaz everywhere and read a lot now. I really enjoy the process. There was a time when learning Hindi was a task and I found it difficult. I enjoy learning new words, and grammar even if I am making mistakes. Doing Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa helped me a lot as I had to speak entirely in Hindi. I love the show but one of the main reasons for me taking up the show was that I also wanted to brush up on my Hindi. You are going to start Race 3. You must be excited... Yes, I am back with three men, who have played a very important role in my life – Ramesh Taurani, Remo D’Souza and Salman Khan. I am excited to be reunited with Salman after three years and especially, on a franchise that I have worked on before. When you are back on a franchise, it’s always like you are on your home ground. You worked with Salman for the first time in Kick three years back. How has your equation been with him since then? Honestly, my equation with Salman during Kick was not like what it’s now. At that time, I was actually getting to know him. He was an acquaintance then, but now, he has become a really good friend. He helped me a lot and continues to do so. During Kick (2014), I didn’t have much confidence but now, it is also a lot better. One thing that Salman asked me to do was to learn Hindi, and I am still working on that. I hope he sees the change and the things I have been working on all these years.