Jacqueline Fernandez talks Mrs Serial Killer, Drive and Da-bangg tour in Dubai

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Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez in Dubai for Splash fashion talks Mrs Serial Killer Dabangg and Drive UAE
Jacqueline Fernandez

Mrs Serial Killer is a departure from the actor's usual sunnier projects

By David Light

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Published: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 5:50 PM

Last updated: Wed 16 Oct 2019, 7:45 PM

WHEN IT COMES to movie roles and, in this weekend's case, corporate associations, Sri Lankan Bollywood superstar Jacqueline Fernandez's choices usually fulfil somewhat set criteria. The model-turned-actor tends to favour the bold, colourful and fun projects: the Judwaa 2 and Housefull 3s of the world - which makes her the perfect fit as Splash fashion's newest brand ambassador. In Dubai this weekend to launch the label's autumn-winter collection, the funky colours and cuts reflect the performer's often positive and bright on-screen characters. This sunny perception may be set to change, however, with next year's Netflix release of dark, brooding Mrs Serial Killer. The movie's one-line synopsis tells you all you need to know: 'When her husband is framed and imprisoned for serial murders, a doting wife must perform a murder exactly like the serial killer, to prove her husband innocent.' Dropping in January, the picture is directed by Shirish Kunder and produced by Farah Khan.
"It's super intense...a character I've never dreamt of or saw myself doing before. It's very challenging," Fernandez said about the project when we met in Dubai Marina. "It came about last year. This offer to do Netflix was a new thing, but I was very excited it was going to be on a digital platform. After being told the story and I saw this girl's journey; it was intriguing. I knew it would be something I would definitely go watch. It was a character I had to portray."
Yet such a departure from her regular parts did come with an element of trepidation, she said, revealing there were many questions the actor asked of herself before fully committing.
"I wasn't sceptical, but hesitant. 'Is this the right move?' This is not as commercial as I usually am. 'Am I making a mistake?' It's risky sometimes. If you don't work in that type of cinema or in those type of roles it does affect you because maybe you won't get others (commercial roles) anymore.
"But this is an area I do want to excel and pursue. It was a great journey and everyone is very confident about it. As an actor I'm always my worst critic and until the last minute I'm extremely nervous and stressed about it."
Driving forward
Fernandez said she hoped Mrs Serial Killer will be a turning point in her career, potentially exposing the actor to unexplored stories and parts. Her next release, Drive, also on Netflix, is arguably more in line with the 34-year-old's work to date. A bold and brash heist film complete with shiny sports cars and item numbers, Fernandez recently posted a clip of her main song in the movie, Karma.
"It's a jazzy one," she said of the tune "It's something quite different. I love that kind of style. That was the director's vision."
In Drive Fernandez will star alongside Sushant Singh Rajput, who according to Fernandez, is an equal streaming addict.
"I'm constantly on it (Netflix) and love seeing the kind of content they put out. It's always different and original. It has given room to so many different directors and actors."
The big Da-bangg theory
For UAE Fernandez fans who may have missed her most recent appearance, fear not. Since 2017, the actor has been part of the Da-bangg: The Tour Reloaded crew, which will be hurtling into Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on November 8. Taking to the stage with favourites Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi Sinha, Fernandez is excited about continuing her affiliation with the group.
"Performing in Dubai is always a treat. Da-bangg Reloaded is such a special show. I've performed in London, Manchester and Birmingham (UK) and we did the entire US last year and Canada too, so now to be in Dubai performing with the same troupe is amazing. We always have a great time. It's a great show."
The theatre extravaganza is inspired by the eponymous Salman Khan movie franchise, so the audience will know what to expect and we can only imagine the inevitable sell-out crowd will be vocal and appreciative. Dancer Prabhudeva, singer Guru Randhawa and Daisy Shah will also be joining the line-up.
Having starred in features together and been part of the same touring company, we asked Fernandez if she could shed any more light on the enigmatic Salman Khan. Is he different in person to his public persona?
"Salman is a very private person, so there is definitely nothing I know that you don't," she said. We'll take that as a 'no' then.
david@khaleejtimes.com 

Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez in Dubai for Splash fashion talks Mrs Serial Killer Dabangg and Drive UAE
Jacqui in town

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