# Jacqueline Fernandez
**Jacqueline Fernandez** (also spelled Jacqueliene Fernandez in recent Indian press) is a Sri Lankan actress and former model who has worked in Hindi-language cinema since her 2009 debut, known for the hits *Murder 2* (2011), *Housefull 2* (2012), *Race 2* (2013), and *Kick* (2014).[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) Born in Bahrain in 1985 and raised in Bahrain, she won the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title in 2006 before moving to Mumbai, where she has been based since 2009.[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) • [2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09) • [21](https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/culture/celebrity/jacqueline-fernandez-interview)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1985; birthplace is reported as Manama, Bahrain[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) and, by other film databases, Colombo, Sri Lanka[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jaqueline_fernandes) |
| Pageant title | Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2006[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) |
| Film debut | *Aladin* (2009), which earned her the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) |
| Breakthrough | *Murder 2* (2011), her first commercial hit, followed by *Housefull 2* and *Race 2*[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) • [2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09) |
| Biggest hit | *Kick* (2014) opposite Salman Khan, which she has called the film that won her stardom[4](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actress/jacqueline-fernandez) |
| International work | *Kill 'Em All 2* (2024) with Jean-Claude Van Damme; earlier *Definition of Fear* (2015) and *Tell It Like a Woman* (2022)[5](https://snapshot.apple.com/us/person/6621219065) • [6](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jacqueliene-fernandez-we-have-to-accept-the-perks-perils-that-come-with-being-an-actor/articleshow/115418312.cms) |
| Reach | About 76 million followers on Instagram[7](https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/interview-jacqueline-fernandez-on-fitness-secrets-fashion-bollywood-lessons-9865242/lite/) |
| Legal matter | Named in a Rs 200-crore money-laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar; a Delhi court granted her a no-objection certificate for work-visa renewal in October 2026[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-court-grants-jacqueline-fernandez-noc-to-renew-work-visa-amid-rs-200crore-money-laundering-case/amp_articleshow/134767764.cms) |
## Early life and pageantry
Fernandez was born in 1985 and grew up in Bahrain, where her father, Elroy Fernandez, worked as a DJ and salesman and her mother, Kim, of Malaysian and Canadian descent, was an air hostess.[2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09) She began modeling as a child, taking her first assignment at age five and working professionally from around age 12.[9](https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/take-one-jaqueline-fernandezs-model-start/articleshow/64440519.html) At the [University of Sydney](https://www.edgepedia.org/university-of-sydney) she studied Mass Communications, setting her modeling aside, and has said she decided she wanted to be an actress at age seven after watching *Gone with the Wind*.[9](https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/take-one-jaqueline-fernandezs-model-start/articleshow/64440519.html) • [10](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/jacqueline-fernandez-i-decided-to-be-an-actress-at-7-when-i-saw-gone-with-the-wind-1561398-2019-07-03)
Winning Miss Universe Sri Lanka in 2006 took her to the international pageant and then to a modeling job in Mumbai, where a lark audition for [Sujoy Ghosh](https://www.edgepedia.org/sujoy-ghosh)'s fantasy film *Aladin* (2009) landed her the role of Princess Jasmine, despite her weak Hindi at the time.[11](https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3096670/how-sri-lankan-bollywood-beauty-jacqueline-fernandez) The film flopped at the box office, but she won the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female and continued to find work.[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) • [11](https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3096670/how-sri-lankan-bollywood-beauty-jacqueline-fernandez)
## Film career
**Breakthrough years.** After early releases including *Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai* (2010), a run of commercial successes changed her standing: the psychological thriller *Murder 2* (2011), the ensemble comedy *Housefull 2* (2012), and the action film *Race 2* (2013).[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) • [11](https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3096670/how-sri-lankan-bollywood-beauty-jacqueline-fernandez) The superhero blockbuster *Kick* (2014), opposite [Salman Khan](https://www.edgepedia.org/salman-khan), followed and became the career highlight she points to; she has credited Khan with giving real momentum to her career.[4](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actress/jacqueline-fernandez) Her songs from this period, notably "Jumme Ki Raat" in *Kick* and "Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan" in *Roy* (2015), drew attention alongside her acting roles.[2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09)
**Franchise and ensemble work.** Through the late 2010s and 2020s she appeared steadily in commercial [Hindi cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/hindi-cinema), including *[Dishoom](https://www.edgepedia.org/dishoom)* (2016), *Judwaa 2* (2017), *Race 3* (2018), *Bhoot Police* (2021), *Bachchhan Paandey* (2022), *Ram Setu* (2022), and *Cirkus* (2022).[12](https://www.fandango.com/people/jacqueline-fernandez-982338/film-credits) • [13](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/jacqueline-fernandez/) In 2022 she played Raquel D'Costa in the Kannada-language action thriller *Vikrant Rona*, extending her work beyond Hindi cinema.[14](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/07/17/bollywood-star-jacqueline-fernandez-launches-ai-avatar/) • [12](https://www.fandango.com/people/jacqueline-fernandez-982338/film-credits) She has also worked internationally, in the British film *Definition of Fear* (2015), the anthology *Tell It Like a Woman* (2022), and the American action film *Kill 'Em All 2* (2024) with [Jean-Claude Van Damme](https://www.edgepedia.org/jean-claude-van-damme).[6](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jacqueliene-fernandez-we-have-to-accept-the-perks-perils-that-come-with-being-an-actor/articleshow/115418312.cms) • [15](https://www.metacritic.com/person/jacqueline-fernandez-2/)
**Recent projects.** She appeared in *[Fateh](https://www.edgepedia.org/fateh-2025-film)* (2025) and *Housefull 5* (2025), and plays Jenny Sinha in the ensemble comedy *Welcome to the Jungle* (2026), for which she has said [Akshay Kumar](https://www.edgepedia.org/akshay-kumar) persuaded her to go blonde for the role.[4](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actress/jacqueline-fernandez) • [16](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/jacqueline-fernandez-signs-horror-film-teaser-and-song-already-shot/) A first full-fledged horror film, produced by Khyati Madaan's Not Out Entertainment, was announced in June 2026 with a teaser and a song already shot.[16](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/jacqueline-fernandez-signs-horror-film-teaser-and-song-already-shot/)
## Beyond film
Fernandez has released music, including the singles "GF BF" with Sooraj Pancholi and Gurinder Seagal and "Chasing Stormrider" with [Bhupinder Babbal](https://www.edgepedia.org/bhupinder-babbal), and the 2024 music video "Stormrider" under her own name.[5](https://snapshot.apple.com/us/person/6621219065) She has served as a judge on the dance reality show *Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa*, appears regularly as a celebrity endorser, and has taken part in humanitarian initiatives, including a [Habitat for Humanity](https://www.edgepedia.org/habitat-for-humanity) campaign.[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) • [17](https://habitatindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Habitat-for-Humanity-Annual-Report-2015-16.pdf) In July 2026 she launched an AI-powered digital avatar built by Galleri5, the in-house AI studio of Collective Artists Network, offering conversation-style access to her book recommendations and personal stories; it was modeled on her personality and worldview rather than her likeness alone.[14](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/07/17/bollywood-star-jacqueline-fernandez-launches-ai-avatar/) She made her third appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026, walking the red carpet for the Chopard Miracle show.[18](https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/jacqueline-fernandez-returns-to-cannes-2026-for-chopard-miracle-show-serves-old-hollywood-glamour-in-sequinned-mini-dress-article-13923333.html/amp)
## Money-laundering case
Fernandez was named in a Rs 200-crore money-laundering case connected to the alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, whom the [Enforcement Directorate](https://www.edgepedia.org/enforcement-directorate)'s chargesheet linked to expensive gifts given to her.[2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09) • [19](https://www.ndtv.com/topic/jacqueline-fernandez) In June 2026 a Delhi court framed charges against Fernandez, Chandrashekar, and 15 others; she has denied being in a relationship with Chandrashekar.[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-court-grants-jacqueline-fernandez-noc-to-renew-work-visa-amid-rs-200crore-money-laundering-case/amp_articleshow/134767764.cms) • [2](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09) In October 2026, additional sessions judge Gagandeep Singh issued a no-objection certificate allowing her to apply for renewal of her expired employment visa, noting that she is a Sri Lankan national residing in India since 2009, is actively engaged in the entertainment industry, and that her presence is needed for the ongoing trial.[8](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-court-grants-jacqueline-fernandez-noc-to-renew-work-visa-amid-rs-200crore-money-laundering-case/amp_articleshow/134767764.cms) Earlier, in June 2026, the Supreme Court had allowed her to withdraw a plea in the same case.[19](https://www.ndtv.com/topic/jacqueline-fernandez)
## Reception and recognition
Public ratings of her films have varied widely: on Rotten Tomatoes her highest-rated credits include *[Attack: Part 1](https://www.edgepedia.org/attack-part-1)* (79 percent audience score) and *Kick* (50 percent), while *Race 2* sits at 0 percent with critics.[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jaqueline_fernandes) Her awards are weighted toward debut, style, and popularity honors, including the IIFA Star Debut of the Year – Female (2010), Stardust Exciting New Face (2010), BIG Star Most Entertaining Dancer (2014, for *Kick*), and the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival's Woman of Excellence (2023, for *Tell It Like a Woman*).[1](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/) In interviews she has described learning Hindi on the job and identified resilience as the most important lesson of her career.[6](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jacqueliene-fernandez-we-have-to-accept-the-perks-perils-that-come-with-being-an-actor/articleshow/115418312.cms) • [20](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jacqueline-fernandez-resilience-is-the-most-important-lesson-that-i-have-learnt-over-the-years-101739883917935.html)
## References
1. [Jacqueline Fernandez profile, The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/about/jacqueline-fernandez/)
2. [Jacqueline Fernandez in a jam, India Today (September 19, 2022)](https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20220919-jacqueline-fernandez-in-a-jam-1998460-2022-09-09)
3. [Jacqueline Fernandez, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jaqueline_fernandes)
4. [Jacqueline Fernandez biography, Indian Film History](https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actress/jacqueline-fernandez)
5. [Jacqueline Fernandez, Apple Snapshot](https://snapshot.apple.com/us/person/6621219065)
6. [Jacqueline Fernandez interview, Times of India (November 19, 2024)](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jacqueliene-fernandez-we-have-to-accept-the-perks-perils-that-come-with-being-an-actor/articleshow/115418312.cms)
7. [Jacqueline Fernandez interview, Indian Express (March 4, 2025)](https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/interview-jacqueline-fernandez-on-fitness-secrets-fashion-bollywood-lessons-9865242/lite/)
8. [Delhi court grants Jacqueline Fernandez NOC to renew work visa amid Rs 200-crore money laundering case, Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-court-grants-jacqueline-fernandez-noc-to-renew-work-visa-amid-rs-200crore-money-laundering-case/amp_articleshow/134767764.cms)
9. [Take One: Jacqueline Fernandez's model start, Mumbai Mirror (June 4, 2018)](https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/take-one-jaqueline-fernandezs-model-start/articleshow/64440519.html)
10. [Jacqueline Fernandez: I decided to be an actress at 7, India Today (July 3, 2019)](https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/jacqueline-fernandez-i-decided-to-be-an-actress-at-7-when-i-saw-gone-with-the-wind-1561398-2019-07-03)
11. [How Jacqueline Fernandez became one of India's most bankable actresses, South China Morning Post](https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3096670/how-sri-lankan-bollywood-beauty-jacqueline-fernandez)
12. [Jacqueline Fernandez Filmography and Movies | Fandango](https://www.fandango.com/people/jacqueline-fernandez-982338/film-credits)
13. [Jacqueline Fernandez filmography, Bollywood Hungama](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/jacqueline-fernandez/)
14. [Bollywood Star Jacqueline Fernandez launches AI Avatar - Newswire](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/07/17/bollywood-star-jacqueline-fernandez-launches-ai-avatar/)
15. [Jacqueline Fernandez, Metacritic](https://www.metacritic.com/person/jacqueline-fernandez-2/)
16. [Jacqueline Fernandez signs horror film, Bollywood Hungama (June 18, 2026)](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/jacqueline-fernandez-signs-horror-film-teaser-and-song-already-shot/)
17. [Habitat for Humanity Annual Report 2015-16](https://habitatindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Habitat-for-Humanity-Annual-Report-2015-16.pdf)
18. [Jacqueline Fernandez returns to Cannes 2026 for Chopard Miracle show, Moneycontrol](https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/jacqueline-fernandez-returns-to-cannes-2026-for-chopard-miracle-show-serves-old-hollywood-glamour-in-sequinned-mini-dress-article-13923333.html/amp)
19. [Jacqueline Fernandez news coverage, NDTV](https://www.ndtv.com/topic/jacqueline-fernandez)
20. [Jacqueline Fernandez: Resilience is the most important lesson, Hindustan Times (February 19, 2025)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jacqueline-fernandez-resilience-is-the-most-important-lesson-that-i-have-learnt-over-the-years-101739883917935.html)
21. [Jacqueline Fernandez Interview, harpersbazaararabia.com](https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/culture/celebrity/jacqueline-fernandez-interview)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Film people and crafts › Film actors and performers › Indian and South Asian film actors by industry and language › Hindi film actors, 1990s–2000s › Surnames symbols to J*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Sep 20, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 12, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
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