Jacqueline Fernandez shares fitness secrets, fashion rules, and lessons she learnt

Edited excerpts below:

Q: From Sri Lanka’s runways to Bollywood’s big screen—has your journey felt more like a dream or a rollercoaster ride?

Pageantry came into my life later, and that experience helped open doors for me in the film industry, said Fernandez.

Jacqueline Fernandez: It’s been an incredible journey, truly a dream come true. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to be an actor. Pageantry came into my life later, inspired by amazing women like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and that experience helped open doors for me in the film industry. Looking back, I’ve learnt so much, but the biggest lessons have been about resilience, self-acceptance, and truly valuing myself. When you’re younger, you don’t always realise your worth, but as you grow, you learn to embrace yourself fully.

Q: Does fashion influence your acting, or does being an actor shape your style?

Jacqueline Fernandez: Absolutely! Fashion, for me, is a form of self-expression and creativity. It’s a way to communicate who you are without saying a word. Over the years, I’ve experimented a lot, but now I prefer styles that reflect my personality and comfort. And yes, cinema and fashion go hand in hand—so many iconic characters have influenced trends. When you play a role, you become part of a visual story, and what you wear on screen has a huge impact on how that character is perceived.

Q: With fashion trends changing so fast, how do you decide what to embrace and what to skip?

Jacqueline Fernandez: I’ve evolved in my approach to fashion. Earlier, I loved experimenting, but now I stick to styles that feel natural and comfortable to me. I think the key is authenticity—wearing what makes you feel confident rather than following trends blindly. That being said, I do love dressing up for special occasions and stage performances. It’s exciting to play around with fashion in those moments––at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Chandigarh, for instance––where I’m wearing a stunning outfit by designer Kanika Goyal.

Q: With intense daily workouts becoming the norm in the industry, what’s your fitness routine like?

Jacqueline Fernandez: For me, fitness is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s become a deeply spiritual and mental practice. I train regularly, but it’s not about the number of hours; it’s about consistency and balance. I make sure to incorporate different forms of exercise, whether it’s strength training, yoga, or dance because it keeps things interesting and helps me stay motivated.

Q: With celebrities often on restricted diets, what’s your secret to balancing mindful eating with indulging in your favourite comfort foods?

Jacqueline Fernandez: I believe in maintaining a balanced lifestyle rather than following extreme diets. I do focus on overall wellness—good nutrition, meditation, and self-care all play a role in keeping me energised. And of course, I love indulging now and then. Sri Lankan food is something I cherish—there’s nothing like a good home-cooked meal, especially lump rice.

Q: Skincare is self-care. What’s your go-to routine for that glow?

Jacqueline Fernandez: Skincare is an important part of self-care, but for me, it’s about overall well-being. My routine involves meditation, chanting, and stretching, which I feel contribute to my glow, from within. Beauty is about feeling good inside and out, and I truly believe that taking care of your mind and body reflects on your skin.

Q: If your journey were a movie title, what would it be?

Jacqueline Fernandez: For me, it will be Housefull.