For many "Betrayal Is Survival", the tag line of Jacqueline Fernandez's Race 2, may seem a lot related to the Hindi film industry – reflecting the cut-throat competition and survival mantra. But, the Sri Lankan beauty tells hard work and honesty can do wonders.
"It is a very competitive industry. They say that if you want to survive here, you have to be cut-throat. But I don't see a need for that. Sometimes I feel that hard work works. If you want to sleep well at night it is better if you just be an honest person," Jacqueline told in an interview. Personally, she feels it is better to forgive and forget than brood and hold a grudge.
She further added, "I think betrayal is a part and parcel of life and I think we all have experienced it. But I am someone who doesn't believe in holding grudges. I am someone who forgives and forgets. I think it is important."
Born to a Sri Lankan father and Malaysian mother, Jacqueline was raised in Bahrain, and at the age of 14 was hosting a fitness show. She moved to Australiafor her college studies, and then returned to Sri Lanka, where she took up a reporting job.
The year 2006 turned to be a game-changer for her as she entered the Miss Sri Lanka beauty pageant, and won the crown. That set the stage for the Miss Universe contest at Los Angelesfor her. She didn't make it to the finals, but her visibility drew and she made her entry into Bollywood.
Though her debut movie Aladin opposite Riteish Deshmukh failed to click at the box office, the movie landed her roles in Housefull 2, Murder 2 and now Race 2.
"It is a little bit difficult when you have come from outside. I feel that the industry embraces people who are from the industry faster and with wider arms. But once you have proved yourself, it is easier for them to accept you," indicating that creating a place for herself was not easy.
"I remember when Aladin didn't do well, I felt a little bit shunned, because it is so difficult to get a second chance especially if you are not from the group. You put in twice the effort and start again," tells Jacqueline.
The actress seems to be wary of making friends in the industry even though she has spent quite some time here.
"I think at the end of the day, these are all people you have to work with. Sometimes it is difficult because you don't want to cross that line between professionalism and friendship. Getting along with co-stars is important, but when it comes to having real friends I don't go looking for them in the film industry," she told.
With two successful movies Murder 2 and Housefull 2 in her kitty, Jacqueline views the achievement as a huge responsibility.
"It (success) just gives you more responsibility. I guess it makes you work harder. It doesn't change you as a person; it changes the surrounding and scenario and gives a lot more responsibility," she told.
Directed by the duo Abbas-Mustan, Race 2 also stars Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone and Ameesha Patel. The film is slated for release on January 25th 2013.
