JACQ-POT QUEEN!
The Sri Lankan beauty has dramatically transformed herself since her debut film with Riteish Deshmukh in Aladin. And now, she has top-banner films lined up with industry A-listers
From a newcomer who didn’t know anyone in the film industry to being one of the top contenders in commercial cinema today, what has your journey been like?
I think it was just a little more work in terms of adjusting to a new city, to a new language. I don’t see myself as any different from other people even though I started from scratch. I guess everyone has to learn a new skill, has to go through the process of understanding what it takes to become an actor, or a star, and learning the ropes. It’s funny but I don’t feel as if I have done anything different from other newcomers. The struggle is pretty much the same for everyone.
What is that one thing in a script that makes you say ‘yes’?
One thing… umm.. It has to be a film that I would, as a regular movie-goer, pay money to watch in the theatre. Would this be an actor I want to watch or is this a story I would enjoy watching? I think it really comes down to what my opinion is. There is a lot of effort that goes into being a commercial actor, maintaining a certain reputation, physical form etc. What is your take on that?
Yeah, I think they do not realise, they take it for granted, and we have to make it look effortless. Most of the time, commercial actors create an illusion of effortlessness, as if we wake up every morning like this! We are genuinely good at dancing, style and glamour. But the truth is we also
spend hours and hours on ourselves, to make sure our styling is done by the best team, hours of training in dance, working on our lines, on our diction, the make-up, the hair… we have to look into all this consistently. That’s what the audience wants to see. That’s what the audience is expecting. And we make it look effortless. That’s why people think everything is flawless, which it is not. Two of your films this year, A Gentleman and Judwaa 2, drew very different results at the box office. How do you handle the failure and success of a film?
Honestly, pretty much everyone goes through failure and success. It is not the most shocking thing that happens in an actor’s life or anyone’s life. And I am used to all kinds of ups and downs as every film has its own destiny. A film doesn’t determine who I am. Every film can be a success as long as you have done your part. You can’t dwell on something for too long, not even success! That too keeps you back because it puts you in a comfort zone. Speaking of Judwaa 2, what was your first reaction when you heard the script? What was your reaction when you saw the response from the audience and industry?
My first reaction when I heard that Nadiad (Sajid Nadiadwala) was making Judwaa 2, and he told me that he wanted me to be a part of the film, I was like, I need to see the film first. Also, David (Dhawan) sir met me while we were shooting for Dishoom, and he told me that he wanted me to be a part of this film, and that Karishma had played this part so beautifully. He said, ‘It is going to be quite a challenge for you.’ He asked me to watch the film, and to watch her closely, and let her inspire me.
When we started promoting Judwaa 2, people were already treating it like a hit. There was so much positivity and curiosity coming in. So Varun and I were under a lot of pressure all the time! We shot for this film and thought it was going to be okay. But, all of a sudden, we realised that people’s expectations were very high. We began to feel that we might have bitten off more than we could chew, but it was just amazing. It did so well, and it was a load off our shoulders. You have been part of many sequels, and you will be part of Race 3 as well.
I am always in a sequel; my life has become a sequel. I am Jacqueline 2.0! My very first success was a sequel, which was
Murder 2. From there, it hasn’t ended. Race is a franchise; Housefull is a franchise. The cool thing about that is you get repeated in the franchise. In Housefull, I was there from the item song onwards; I was a part of Race 2, and now a part of Race 3. Also Judwaa 2! I hope they make a Judwaa 3, and I will be a part of that as well. It has always been rewarding to be able to work in franchises that are continuing. Cinema is becoming more and more content-driven. Do you often face questions like, what’s stopping you from exploring dark, content-oriented films?
I don’t agree with that question. Commercial cinema and blockbusters have always been content-driven. You would not watch a film that will become a success unless it has good content. Dangal was a huge hit and a blockbuster and it had content. Sultan had the same thing going for it. You can’t segregate the two. Just because one is set in a commercial setting doesn’t mean it doesn’t have content, a backstory or a script. You have learnt a lot of new skills thanks to all your films, like fencing for Race 3, and mixed martial arts.
Yes, yes. What has been amazing for me is that with every single project, I am able to explore so many different things. I like
to discover what they are as well. The process excites me. Like when we were doing Gentleman, I didn’t know what to do with this character. So I thought, let’s do something innovative. Since we were based in Miami and my character was very adventurous, I thought maybe she can do a pole dance. When you can add a dimension to your character, even if it hasn’t been handed to you, you can take it on. Do you feel that success brings popularity, and it enhances your image as an actor or a brand ambassador?
That happens with any kind of success. You responsibility, of course, increases, because people wait for what you are going to deliver next. After the success of Judwaa 2, I am wondering what else I can deliver in my next film. But box office success is beneficial because everyone benefits when a film does well. You will be reuniting with Salman Khan after Kick and Race 3. How does it feel to work with him again?
It is really cool. I just shot my first scene with him a few weeks ago. I was like, ‘I know Salman and have worked with him before. Then, during the first scene with him, I started sweating profusely. I fumbled all my lines and did not remember a thing.
The thing is the energy on a Salman Khan set is very different, everyone is on their toes. But the coolest thing about him is that, poor guy, he doesn’t do that on purpose. He naturally creates that energy on the set. He tries to calm everyone. He is so helpful on the set. I sometimes feel he has got a director in him. He is just amazing at what he does. That’s what makes him amazing. Tell us something about your next film Drive.
Drive is something I am pretty much done with right now. We have got one more song. For both me and Sushant (Singh Rajput), the experience really has come from working with Tarun (Mansukhani). There are directors that push you because at the end of the day, you really want someone who is keeping an eye on you, on your performance. He will not let up until he is 100 per cent happy, also because he knows what he can get out from you. That’s what Sushant and I love about him.