Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 17, 2020)

During the Coronavirus pandemic, many Bollywood celebrities have stepped forward to lend support to those in need — whether it’s the hundreds of migrant workers trying to reach their homes or others who were not able to afford even basic necessities. Recently, on her birthday (August 11), Jacqueline Fernandez adopted two villages in Maharashtra — Pathardi and Sakur. As part of a three-year project, she will be providing food supplies to those inhabitants of these villages, who are malnourished. Jacqueline says, “This has been on my mind for a while now. It has also been a difficult year for everyone due to the ongoing pandemic. Some of us have been lucky, but a section of the society has been struggling even for basic necessities.”

Shedding some light on the initiative that spreads across the two villages, the actress explains, “Around 1,550 people will be looked after as a part of this project. People from the villages, including caregivers and children, will be screened for malnutrition. Awareness sessions will also be held for them. We plan to provide information and support to 150 women to enable them to take care of newborn babies, and seven frontline workers will be given training and on-the-job assistance. We plan to track the health of 20 families, who will be provided with the means to overcome malnutrition, and 20 women will receive support from conception till childbirth to ensure that they are healthy. Also, 20 children will be treated for malnutrition, and 20 kitchen gardens will be set up in the villages. Giving back to society is something that my parents have taught me, and they were extremely supportive of this decision of mine.”

With Mumbai in the unlock mode, the film industry is gradually getting back to work. Talking about her work schedule, Jacqueline says, “We have started the pre-production work of Attack. Getting back to work will take some time, as everyone is still getting accustomed to the new normal, but hopefully, that will happen soon.” The film reunites Jacqueline with John Abraham, with whom she had shared screen space in films like Housefull 2, Race 2 and Dishoom. There has also been buzz that she will continue to be a part of the second instalment of the Kick franchise, which is likely to be rolled out soon. “This pandemic has thrown off everyone’s schedule, so we will get to know about it once we have more clarity,” she says.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2018)

Jacqueline Fernandez has taken a break from work and is off to Europe with family to ring in her 33rd birthday, today. Mirror caught up with the birthday girl. Jacqueline Fernandez will be bringing in her birthday with family and close friends in Europe. She plans to do everything she loves, from eating and shopping to exploring new places.

“The year so far has been very hectic so I’m glad that I can spend this day with those who matter to me the most,” she tells Mirror from Naples, adding that she will probably pick up a gift for herself or her home on her travels.

Quiz her on her favourite memories of the year gone by and she lists Judwaa 2, Race 3, the Da-Bangg The Tour and the launch of her own fashion brand. And what’s on her wish list for this year? “There are a few things that I absolutely love, like horse riding, playing the piano, and cooking. I’ll take off some time for all this. And when I have some time free, I also want to learn Urdu which is a beautiful language. At times when I read something, and if I find a word that sounds interesting, I note it down, learn it and try to incorporate it in my conversation,” she admits.

And what has been her most memorable birthday so far? “Each birthday tops the previous one and becomes the most memorable and credit for that goes to my family and friends,” she asserts. “My most prized possessions, though not a birthday present, are my adorable cats, Miu-Miu and Yoda.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 12, 2016)

It's been a busy year for Jacqueline Fernandez who after two releases, Housefull 3 and Dishoom, is gearing up for a third, A Flying Jatt, with Tiger Shroff. However, she managed to squeeze out some time to celebrate her 31st birthday with bestie, restaurateur, Mishali Sanghani, in Paris.

Even though it was just for a day since she has to promote her fantasy adventure, Jackie was looking forward to this quick getaway planned well in advance. At the airport she ran into Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif who were on their way for a six-city tour in the US. When they learnt that it was her big day they arranged for a mango cake and sang "Happy Birthday" for her. She took some pics before settling down to a late night... or very early morning... breakfast on flight.

There was more bingeing in store once they reached Paris. Their hotel room offered an eyecatching view of the ChampsElysees and the bed was good for jumping around. Being 31 never felt this good before!

Upala KBR (DNA; August 11, 2014)

“I don’t have any plans for my birthday. My team will wish me as will my parents. I don’t feel alone or miss home. It’s a night shoot and as we are shooting a song, there will be music, so I will pretend that it’s a party! Genelia is here and it’s a fun crew. I didn’t know that I would end up shooting on my birthday though,” says Jackie

And what would she like to gift herself this year? “An apartment of my own!” comes her prompt reply. “I have been waiting to gift it to myself for some time now, but it’s not something I can go shopping for. But yes, it’s there on my wishlist.”

Jacqueline has already received her birthday gift when Kick crossed the Rs 200-crore mark. “It’s a very special feeling that you are part of a movie which has crossed that limit. It’s something I could have only hoped and wished for... Mom has watched Kick six times and every time she takes a friend of mine with her. On my birthday, she will be upset as she will want to call me but won’t be able to get through, as my phone will be busy.”

Jackie has a lot of work on hand. Forget her birthday party, she doesn’t want to take a holiday for the next four years! “After Kick, it’s all just begun. It’s not the time to take it easy and be laidback, but to work harder and take things forward. It’s time to concentrate, focus and give it my all now. I can’t take a holiday for four years now!”