Jacqueline Fernandez: ‘Lack of censorship only promotes creativity, but people also take advantage of freedom’

Jacqueline Fernandez says liberty encourages creativity, but calls for screening for certain age groups.

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez is fervently looking forward to her next, a web film. The actor, who has wrapped up work on the project, says the OTT-platform experience is akin to a kid’s fascination standing inside a candy store.

Jacqueline Fernandez makes her debut on digital platform with Netflix’s Mrs Serial Killer.

“You’re exposed to every genre—you can move from period drama, thriller, fantasy or comedy. There are unbelievable options,” says the 34-year-old.

Excerpts from an interview:

What are the advantages of the digital platform that probably a film may not offer?
It gives you immediate response. I think, for a long time, there was no other medium except for mainstream Bollywood theatricals. We used to think that was the epitome. Now, all of a sudden, you are watching stuff online. They are shot really well. Plus, you are into the comfort of your home. Also, you need to be aware of shows that are made. It shows you the path we are going towards in terms of audiences’ acceptance. There is no compromise on quality.

Do you think it will affect the business of movies in the long run?
One of our favourite pastimes is to go to the cinema with our families. I don’t think it will affect theatre business so much, but in terms of content which the audience will accept, it will change their perspective by a margin. They are seeing a variety of content and performances. Earlier, they were only exposed to that through Hollywood and international cinema. Now, everything’s accessible and the content is also relevant. It’ll affect [business] in that way.

What’s your take on censorship on web?
It is a tricky one. I can understand both sides of the story. The beauty of the digital medium is that you can take a lot of liberty and that breeds creativity. The moment you know something is censored, how do you create something like that? You’ve to be able to create what you want. The lack of censorship only promotes creativity. At the same time, people also take advantage of that freedom. I’d definitely not want certain age groups exposed to that, but for the sake of creativity, we shouldn’t be censoring it. Maybe have a certain limit.

Also, what has kept you going in your journey?
The fact that you just have yourself, that is one huge realisation that one must make. I also feel being healthy and fit has kept me going. It is one thing that has made me physically and mentally strong. That is something that

I hope everyone, from kids to adults, takes seriously. The discipline of working out takes you far ahead in life. I hope to encourage women to realise and understand their own strength within to make them feel that they live in a world where women are not afraid. We must have it instilled in our female.

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