Jacqueline thinks of the ‘commercial heroine’ label as a compliment

She made her Bollywood debut in 2009 with Alladin and has been on a roll in Bollywood ever since. Sri Lankan actor Jacqueline Fernandez has no qualms about being called a “commercial heroine” and says it is the best compliment she’s received.

“I think commercial cinema is really amazing. There is a reason why they do well at the box-office — because people really enjoy watching such films,” Jacqueline says.

“I consider myself an entertainer. If I can make someone laugh, cry, and entertain them... that is fulfilling for me. So if you brand me like that, then I would be very happy because that’s what exactly I want,” adds the actor, who has featured in entertainers like Housefull, Race 2, Kick, Dishoom and Judwaa 2.

Asked if she has no interest in doing socially-relevant or content-driven cinema, she says, “Commercial cinema can be anything — socially relevant or content-driven. If you do not have the content for commercial cinema, it won’t work. So, you can’t negate commercial cinema saying that it can’t be based on content or social causes because most of them are.”

The 32-year-old actor is ecstatic about completing eight years in Bollywood but says there is still a long way to go. “Well, it’s getting better and better, which is all that you can really hope for. I enjoy doing what I am doing. There are so many experiences to enjoy,” she adds.

Jacqueline, who was the winner of the 2006 Miss Universe Sri Lanka pageant, describes Bollywood as her “first love”. Even though the Bangistan star has been in showbiz for so long, she says she has always remained open about whatever she does. “But it’s not necessary that a celebrity needs to open up about everything. If someone wants to guard their personal space, then it’s completely their prerogative and people should understand and respect that.”

Currently, Jacqueline has two films in her kitty — Drive with Sushant Singh Rajput and Race 3 starring Salman Khan.