Salman told me hard-work, struggle got me where I am: Jacqueline Fernandez

Jacqueline Fernandez feels that she is more confident as an actor now. She would love to work on a short film, she adds.

Even though Jacqueline Fernandez entered Bollywood in 2009 with Aladin, it was her role in Kick (2014) that gave her career a new lease of life.

Jacqueline Fernandez says it took her a lot of time to build her confidence, and say that she can take on more. (Yogen Shah)

Today, the actor feels she is capable of doing much more in terms of her performances. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming film, A Flying Jatt, Jacqueline talks about her journey in B-Town, competition in the industry, and more.

How has your journey in B-Town been so far?

When I entered Bollywood, I didn’t have any advantage over anyone. I didn’t know how to act, I was not from the industry, I didn’t know the language, and I didn’t know how to dance. So, whatever films I was getting, I was just taking them up. What helped me at that time was that I could hide behind the male actors in the films. It took me so much time to build my confidence, and say that I can take on more.

Watch: Jacqueline in a video made to push a series of UN global goals, including gender equality

I have definitely seen an improvement in myself over the years. I have seen myself grow. Initially, I would do only certain kinds of roles.

I would usually ask, “Who’s the hero?” I never really demanded more, as I felt I wasn’t capable of doing more. But now, I am itching to do more, and I know I can.

Read: Jacqueline Fernandez to star with Varun Dhawan in Judwaa 2?

What brought about this change in you?

It started with Kick (2014). I never thought I would get that film. It seemed stupid to think that I would get a chance to work with Salman Khan. I was comfortable with what I was getting. I was just grateful that I was getting to work [in Bollywood]. But Salman told me that it is my hard-work, struggle and passion that has got me where I am. I still have a long way to go.

Jacqueline says she never thought she’ll get a chance to work with Salman Khan.

Were you affected when you saw other actresses upping their game?

My question to myself was, “When can I do that?” I was surrounded by talented actresses who were pushing the envelope. But I think when your time comes, everything happens. So far, I’m known for doing more commercial and glamorous roles. But I don’t mind doing a short film. It would be something I haven’t done before, and it will be out of my comfort zone.

Read: When Jacqueline Fernandez married Kapil Sharma

According to sources, the third instalment of ABCD (2013) is in the making. Will we see you in the film since the director of A Flying Jatt, Remo D’souza, will helm this film too?

I really wanted to be part of ABCD 2 (2015). But Shraddha (Kapoor) had already signed it. A dancing movie with Remo is something I would love to take up.