Jacqueline Fernandez – Biography
Full Name: Jacqueline Fernandez
Date of Birth: August 11, 1985
Place of Birth: Manama, Bahrain
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Profession: Actress, Model, Philanthropist
Known For: Prominent work in Hindi cinema (Bollywood)Jacqueline Fernandez – Biography
Early Life and Education
Jacqueline Fernandez was born into a multicultural family in Manama, Bahrain. Her father is a Sri Lankan Burgher, and her mother is of Malaysian and Canadian descent, reflecting a rich and diverse heritage. Raised in Bahrain, she received her early education there before moving to Australia, where she earned a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Sydney.
After graduating, Jacqueline returned to Sri Lanka, where she briefly worked as a television reporter. Passionate about languages and global cultures, she also studied Spanish and polished her skills in French and Arabic. Her ambition to become an actress was evident from a young age, and she underwent formal training at the John School of Acting to hone her craft.
Modeling and Pageantry
Jacqueline’s journey into the limelight began through the world of fashion and pageantry. In 2006, she was crowned Miss Universe Sri Lanka, earning the opportunity to represent her country at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant held in Los Angeles. This exposure served as a stepping stone into the Indian entertainment industry, where her charisma and talent quickly caught the attention of filmmakers.
Acting Career
Jacqueline Fernandez made her Bollywood debut in 2009 with the fantasy drama “Aladin,” a role that earned her the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female. Her breakthrough came with the 2011 psychological thriller “Murder 2,” a box office success that established her as a promising lead actress in the industry.
Over the years, she has built an impressive filmography, starring in several commercially successful and critically appreciated films:
Major Commercial Successes:
- Kick (2014)
- Housefull 3 (2016)
- Judwaa 2 (2017)
- Vikrant Rona (2022)
Other Notable Films:
- Housefull 2 (2012)
- Race 2 (2013)
- Brothers (2015)
- Dishoom (2016)
- Ram Setu (2022)
Apart from films, Jacqueline has also showcased her presence on television. She served as a judge on the popular dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” (2016–2017) and has appeared in various high-profile music videos, further cementing her place as a pop culture icon.
Humanitarian Work
Beyond the silver screen, Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently used her platform to advocate for social causes. A committed humanitarian, she is closely associated with Habitat for Humanity, participating in hands-on construction and disaster recovery missions. Her passion for animal welfare led her to collaborate with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), advocating for cruelty-free living and awareness.
In her home country, she has supported the Attidiya Wildlife Sanctuary in Sri Lanka, contributing to environmental conservation. Her philanthropic efforts were recognized globally when she received the International Humanitarian Award at the Asian Voice Charity Awards in 2017.
Legacy and Impact
Jacqueline Fernandez stands out as one of the few Sri Lankan artists to achieve international fame, especially in the Indian film industry. Known for her elegance, infectious energy, and commitment to social change, she has become a symbol of cross-cultural success. Balancing her glamorous career with meaningful activism, Jacqueline continues to inspire millions across the globe.