On a Date with Jacqueline Fernandez

JF: Awwww…it’s so nice. I’m moving house and I love picture frames. Whenever I’m out shopping, I buy frames. Oh wow! Thank you so much. And I have another gift too? DP: Yes, Read More">you have. Please rip it apart. The gifts go hand in hand. Let’s see how creatively you can use ’em. JF: Isn’tRead More

JF: Awwww...it's so nice. I'm moving house and I love picture frames. Whenever I'm out shopping, I buy frames. Oh wow! Thank you so much. And I have another gift too?
DP: Yes, you have. Please rip it apart. The gifts go hand in hand. Let's see how creatively you can use 'em.
JF: Isn't it? It's more fun. Sure. (As she tears off the wrapper of the big gift) I like tearing things apart. My mother takes her own sweet time (laughs). Aren't you creative!
DP: I am.
JF: It's awesome. I really, really like it. And there are people staring at me right now.
DP: Well, they envy you, who knows? So, did you ever anticipate that your meeting was going to come in a form of a blind valentine date with a journalist?
JF: I was just thinking that something boring and ordinary is in-store for me.
DP: Well, for a change, this ain't going to get boring.
JF: Yup, exactly. I can see that already.
DP: So let's cheers to this hour we're going to spend together before our coffee arrives.

JF: (As we cheer) But you never cheers with water.
DP: Now where did that come from Jaqueline? I've never heard that in my life.
JF: I don't know. It's something that's left with me ever since I was a kid. I think it's a British thing.
DP: Are you from Britain?
JF: No. But my mother is half British.

DP: Great. It's so nice to meet you for the first time. By the way, you're my first date of 2010.
JF: Awesome. But do I have competition?
DP: Well, you may next month because I have a very bad habit of going on a date with one actress every month.
JF: So you take actresses out on a date every month?
DP: I like to keep it that way. But creatively speaking, it's so different from the usual thing you do as a journalist.
JF: Wow! I was going to be a journalist. I started assisting my aunt in Sri Lanka who worked as an investigative journalist. Even in the school I took up media studies as I thought I'd cover stories and become an investigative reporter. In college I got a freaking scholarship.
DP: Freaking scholarship???
JF: Yes (laughs). But now I think I want to become a food documentarian.
DP: What's going on in your head Jacqueline?
JF: I know, I really think that way. I love travelling and world cuisine and it's the coolest thing to do. There is so much variety and it's so exciting. Plus it's delicious too (laughs).
DP: What do you guys eat in Sri Lanka? I mean, what's your staple diet?
JF: It's rice, and everything we have there is based on coconut. Like, all our curries are coconut based, etc. Actually, Sri Lankan food is one of the spiciest food in the world. When I came to India, I thought the food out here was bland.
DP: What are you saying? So the jacket potato is a complete no-no for you.
JF: (laughs) See, I grew up in a mixed environment. After school, my food would consist of rice and curry. During our holidays, my mom would cook continental. There would be roast dinner and lunches with spaghetti's and all.

DP: I come from London and so I’m a big fan of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. But do you know that in order to dine in any of Mr Ramsay’s restaurants, you need to have a four month waiting period? JF: Yes, Read More">I am aware of that. There is this restaurant somewhere in SpainRead More

DP: I come from London and so I'm a big fan of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. But do you know that in order to dine in any of Mr Ramsay's restaurants, you need to have a four month waiting period?
JF: Yes, I am aware of that. There is this restaurant somewhere in Spain where you have to wait for a year to dine because it's a different type of cooking all together. Their food has got a bit of a popping sensation. They have this nitrogen bubble concept in their food. I mean, you need to experience it.
DP: Wow! Would love to. But you know Jacqueline, it's the first time we both are meeting and getting to know each other. I mean, I had this pre-conceived notion of how you'd come across. But the way you talk, I'm surprised. Do you have red bull all day? (laughs).
JF: (laughs) No. But I am like that and tend to do that. I always be myself and today is no different. That's how I am and will always be.
DP: I like that. So, are you settled comfortably now in our Indian Film Industry?
JF: Yes. The greatest thing about this industry is that I was accepted the moment I came down. I was like, would they mind me coming? They're going to hate me, and all of that.
DP: You love Indian cinema?
JF: I am not an Indian but I do love Indian cinema and more over, I love cinema in general, be it any kind. But hey, I am trying to survive here. I am struggling to give Hindi interviews but at the end of the day, I am trying. So far so good. Sometimes I'm on my outdoor shoot and I love it. But this is an emotional profession too and you need to be aware of it.
DP: But you seem to be so guarded, and then if you look at it, you aren't. You know your job well, I assume.
JF: I do and am learning. People talk that in this industry you cannot be like this and that but how can you be any other way except yourself?

DP: Have you ever been to Indigo Cafe?
JF: Yes, I have. I love it. Love the ambience. I hardly go to the town, but whenever I travel to town, I do visit Indigo. I've been here with my very good friend Sonal Sehgal. Have you interviewed her or have gone on a date with here?
DP: I do know her but haven't gone out on a date with her. You see, all of my previous twelve dates were single, you're my thirteenth date. But Sonal is married. So I'll have to start a separate special called 'Extra Marital Dates'.
JF: (laughs) Exactly. Go for it.
DP: I wish you keep on smiling all your life. But it's difficult to imagine you falling in love. You laugh all day long, you talk more than journalists do. Can Jacqueline Fernandez fall in love?
JF: Of course. When it comes to love, I'm very shy. I don't know how to explain this. I've myself gone through break ups and being taken advantage of. But when it comes to love, I'm very, very careful too. I am a completely different person.
DP: But it's difficult to switch from one Jacqueline to another.
JF: Yes it is. But I try.
DP: I'm sure. When was the time you really felt love for the first time?
JF: When I was in school. When I fall in love, I talk too fast or become giddy or become really quiet. That's weird but that's how I am.
DP: You ready for your star link ups?
JF: Oh yea! Bring it on!

12 gorgeous dates in 2009. What’s installed in 2010? January was dry. Come February, the hunt was still on. Then I wish for my Valentine. With a day to go, my Valentine Date arrives in the form of Jacqueline Fernandez. It’s magic, Read More">heh? The genie answered my wishes. I felt like an Aladin. What IRead More

12 gorgeous dates in 2009. What's installed in 2010? January was dry. Come February, the hunt was still on. Then I wish for my Valentine. With a day to go, my Valentine Date arrives in the form of Jacqueline Fernandez. It's magic, heh? The genie answered my wishes. I felt like an Aladin. What I forgot to wish though was the magic carpet. I mean, I could've spent the Valentine Day with my cute and charming date in Paris. After all, she loves the city and the French. Then I wished to turn into a Frenchman myself. Back to reality, I arrive at 1 pm at Indigo Cafe in Andheri with a wrapped surprise for my Valentine. Reserved a table and time. I was informed that she could be there any moment. She arrives in less than a minute. What made this day and date so different was that I had never before met or heard about Jacqueline from anyone in the Indian Film Industry. So to call it a 'blind valentine date' could've been just apt. But I like the unexpected. One of the newest entrants in Bollywood, Jacqueline is one of the most talked about girl in town. But what if you turn that upside down. Here's what you get - She is the girl who just talks and loves to talk. And this is what's in-store - you sit and see her talk about food to cities to bikinis to French men to her perfect date (that's me??). Dressed in a chequered knee length sleeveless dress, Fernandez looked adorable and huggable. She looked like a perfect soft toy holding your heart that you'd want to treasure for the rest of your life. For a change, she was a perfect date with a mind working ten times faster than mine. I mean, could you have ever thought of Jacqueline triggering yet another brilliant idea into my head - 'Extra Marital Dates' is what she advised me to start off with. Mrs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Esha Koppikhar Narang, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Ayesha Takia Azmi, and many more...get ready! The question was - Will this end my string of single dates? Who knows? I got my Valentine gift - Thank You Jaqueline. I love you!

Devansh Patel: My wish has come true...you're my Valentine date.
Jacqueline Fernandez: And you're my date. I'm excited.

DP: Are you a shop-a-holic? JF: In order of preference, Read More">I shop for my house and food stuff and then come the clothes. I am too lazy to shop for clothes. I do pick up if I like something. DP: A perfect city for a perfect date would be? JF: Rome. DP: Let’s go then..Read More

DP: Are you a shop-a-holic?
JF: In order of preference, I shop for my house and food stuff and then come the clothes. I am too lazy to shop for clothes. I do pick up if I like something.
DP: A perfect city for a perfect date would be?
JF: Rome.
DP: Let's go then.. we've got time, haven't we?
JF: Come on then, let's go now. We've got a day before we reach there. But I went to Paris recently and I think I envision my future in that city. It is so beautiful. I'd marry a French guy and have French children. Wow!
DP: I wish I was French (laughs). But hey, I love Switzerland. I've been there and it was amazing. Ideally, I'd hate cities because it's like surrounded with walls all day long. I love the Caribbean islands, Mauritius, Bahamas, want to go there.
JF: I've been to the Caribbean Islands. A friend of mine from Miss Universe days invited me to the Caribbean Islands to celebrate the New Year with her. Believe me, I never had so much fun. You stay in your bikini all day long. It's just shops scattered everywhere and beach side comforts. We had breakfast and after breakfast we head to the bar. That's how life is. We went to the mountain islands, etc. It's like cruising through. It's not even noon time and people are dancing and happy.
DP: You know what you should do in your spare time? Write your own adventure book and launch it. It can be called 'Adventures of Jacqueline Fernandez'.
JF: It's a good idea. I miss out on life when I'm working. This can be so much fun, with pictures, articles, etc. I may even pursue to be a travel documentarian.
DP: Has anyone told you that you resemble Shenaz Treasuryvala?
JF: Yes (laughs). We met at Nature's Basket in Bandra where we were shopping. She invited me over at her place for wine and tit-bits. I loved her for that (laughs).
DP: So what's the plan of action for the day?
JF: Couple of interviews to go.
DP: So you think this was an interview?
JF: (laughs) No, no. I didn't mean that. This was my best ever chat with a journalist. A nice date comes to an end.

DP: Would you get married to any actor? JF: I don’t want one. I am not someone who has issues with trust. If I’m with someone, Read More">I’ll trust him. I’ve chosen him because I feel he is a loyal person. That’s how I go. DP: But you still haven’t answered ‘why’ wouldn’t you marry anRead More

DP: Would you get married to any actor?
JF: I don't want one. I am not someone who has issues with trust. If I'm with someone, I'll trust him. I've chosen him because I feel he is a loyal person. That's how I go.
DP: But you still haven't answered 'why' wouldn't you marry an actor?
JF: I'm not saying this in a bad way but actors have to be very 'into themselves'. It's a 24 hour job looking good and making sure that perfection is maintained. Believe me, you can't find an actor who's not like that. I need a person who pays more attention to me (laughs).
DP: Recall your first date…
JF: It's a difficult one but it was a cliché one for sure. Men prefer to have things in place for their date, which is good, but too cliché. They'll pick you up, have a perfect meal, the perfect champagne, etc. But I am an adventure freak.
DP: Where did that come from? (laughs)
JF: I can't imagine my date to be perfect. It has to be unexpected, like what we're having like. My perfect date would be to take her out to the museum or travel around to different cities. Go out for a change.
DP: So you like everything unplanned huh?
JF: Kind of yes.
DP: But are you superstitious?
JF: No. I used to read my horoscope but not anymore. I've grown up. Please tell me logically how can all Leos or Taureans have the same fate? You know I mean?
DP: Yes, I do believe you. But pre-historic days were all superstitious.
JF: True but they never predicted people. They predicted days and months and years. What would happen after years and years. Today, it's become a joke. The people back then were geniuses.
DP: So, tell me, where are you moving in two weeks, which suburb?
JF: Bandra. It's a duplex and I'm so excited. It's so huge.
DP: I hope the lovely gifts will go with your new interiors.
JF: You've got it so right. I'm doing my interiors up like all white and all. It's like the French do. I love that stuff.