Jacqueline Fernandez, who began shooting for Race 3, says the franchise is in a completely different space with Salman Khan on board. “Of course, grey characters and the elements of suspense and thrill have been retained, but it’s a fresh story, not a continuation of the previous outing,” says the actress.

Interestingly, before she signed up for the edgy franchise, reports were rife that Katrina Kaif had been considered to play the leading lady. When asked about the growing competition among the female actors, and the fact that heroines have often been easily replaced, Jacqueline concedes that she understands competition. She explains, “A lot of us vie for the same roles, but there’s room for everyone. Even if we do want the same thing, we have to take these things in our stride. There is no point resisting or being upset about it. The work that Alia Bhatt and Katrina do inspires me. These girls make it all seem possible. It also helps that I know all of them and I am close to them. Only we know what we go through in this profession. The competition is always healthy if it’s approached that way.

The actress, who is said to team up with her Kick hero in the sequel, has also had to juggle health issues, fatigue and criticism from different pockets of the industry for her choice of roles in recent times.

Point this out to her and Jacqueline says, “It’s funny how things happen. I remember, before Kick was offered to me, I had two blockbusters, but I still sat at home for six months, jobless. I couldn’t understand what was going on. So, when Kick came my way, I decided to work every single day of my life. I don’t want to face a time when I don’t have something to do. Right now, I am in a phase where I am getting fabulous films. This is exactly what I want to do. Even if it means compromising on my health at times, I don’t mind being at work 24 x 7.”