John and I are comfortable with each other – Jacqueline Part 1

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart… Besides being the Sri Lanka's beauty (with brains) queen, Jacqueline Fernandez has managed to carve a niche for herself in Bollywood in such a short time! This babe, who once wanted to be a journalist, has so much happening in her life. Topping that list is her edge of the seat racy thriller flick Race 2, in which she joins the legacy of the monster hit Race. Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with this damsel for an exclusive one-on-one with her, wherein she talks about her films, acting and much more.

So, finally the Bollywood's most angelic face is back in the race with Race 2.
Is that me? (Laughs). Well, I am not so angelic in Race 2!

Why this long gap after Housefull 2? Was it a conscious decision of not signing any films?
For me, it's not about quantity. It's about quality. There were offers that came, which I let it go. If I am not 100% sure about an offer, it is always a no from me. While some saw this in a positive way, others saw this as a negative trait. But, having said that let me also add that, at the end of the day, it's me who is supposed to be in front of the camera. That's why I will do only those films with which I feel comfortable with.

Let's talk about Race 2. People have been raving about the promos which make the film look like an edge of the seat thriller. How was the overall experience shooting for the film?
Race 2, as you all know, is a franchise and a sequel to Race. I have learnt a lot from the shooting of Race 2, because I have worked with really dynamic actors throughout the film. And it's the first time I had to put so much into a character, both, mentally and physically. I think this role was one of the most challenging roles for me, as I had to prepare the most for this. Overall, it was the most enjoyable and relaxed time of my life as the whole unit was more than a family to me!

Please shed some light on your character in the film.
I play the character of Omisha, who is a con artist. She is very edgy, grungy, action packed type of girl. She has lots of interesting traits. Even though she is someone who seems to be a tough cookie, she has to play every single scene subtly showing that she is concealing a deep, dark secret. That was indeed a challenge for me, as I had to keep that in my mind every time I got into the character of Omisha. What I love about Omisha is that is that she is new age and right now kind of girl. I love the fact that when anyone looks at her, she doesn't come across as a sweet innocent girl; rather she comes with a 'warning' that 'beware! I can kick your butts anytime!' (Laughs).

Your role was initially supposed to be done by Sonakshi. But when you stepped into this role, was the script modified in order to accommodate the martial skills et al
I don't think that the script was changed at all! Even when Sonakshi was around, the script was very much the same. Sonakshi, being the competent actress that she is, was all ready and geared up for the film, but she had to opt out due to the date issues.

Since this will be a first time you will be attempting a role with negative shades, weren't you apprehensive of the same early in your career?
Actually no, because, this is something that I had wanted to do for a very long time. This was one role wherein I could prove my mettle in handling the negative shades as well. One has to see the film to know what exactly I am talking about.

First Housefull 2, now Race 2, this is your second film in which you have been paired opposite the hunky John Abraham. How has been your working chemistry with him?
The great thing about having worked with John in Race 2 is that now we are comfortable with each other and know each other's style of working. He is always a pleasure to work with. He doesn't interfere in other's works and the conversations with him can go beyond movies.

Music was indeed one of the driving forces of Race. How has the music shaped up in Race 2?
I simply drool over the seduction song that has been picturised on Saif and me. I think it's amazing that Race 2 has managed to reach up to the expectations that were set by the music of Race, despite the gap of almost 5 years. The makers have been successful in bringing something new to the table with Race 2, without affecting the music.

What are the locations of the film's shoot?
We extensively shot most of the movie in Turkey and the rest of the film in Mumbai.
v Besides you, there is Ameesha Patel and Deepika Padukone in the film, which must have got equated into a lot of girl bonding as well. True?
Absolutely! It's always fun when you get to work with other actresses as one gets to learn so much and understand each other's comfort zone and style of working. Asin calls this 'girl bonding' thingy as the 'co-sympathizers' (laughs)! I had my first experience of working with female co-stars in Housefull 2. Working with the whole gang of girls was indeed a nice and memorable experience.

Who was the biggest prankster on the sets?
Undoubtedly Saif Ali Khan…If this is what you are expecting me to tell you then, let me tell you that, besides Saif, John is the proverbial dark horse, of whom one would least expect any kind of pranks. But, man! Once he is in his element, then there's no stopping him.

Race 2 has many USPs. What, according to you makes this film a must watch?
The way the makers have presented glamour infused with the 'look' and the suspense of the film makes this film a must watch.

Is it true that you sport an Angelina Jolie's Salt look in the film? Who has designed your costumes and the stylist? Was it tough to zero the look?
The person in charge of that department is Anaita Shroff. Also, let me get the records straight that there was no reference/s taken from anyone, (including Angelina) as far as my look in the film is concerned. When we sat to zero down on my look, the only aspect that we were looking for were the stuff what today's youth could relate to. We wanted to mix the tomboyish look into a feminine one.

What were the preparations and homework that you did for the role of Omisha?
Since I knew that my role was action based, I had to look physically and mentally fit. I worked with the personal trainer on attaining the perfect physique that I wanted for the role. We also changed our entire workout routine, which was now more of gymnastics based, as there were quite a few action scenes that we wanted to pull off successfully.

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more