The air was alive with excitement at the Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour with Jacqueline Fernandez in the spotlight as the showstopper, her presence as radiant as the glamorous designs she was about to showcase in Chandigarh on Saturday evening. Dressed in a stunning ensemble, she effortlessly blended into the event’s energy, representing both the world of fashion and film.

Her smile reflected her deep love for what she does. But this was more than just a fashion show for Jacqueline; it was an evening where she got to showcase not only her style but also her evolution—from a young model to a leading lady in the film industry, and a philanthropist who’s determined to make a difference.

Speaking with a sense of joy and passion about her career, Jacqueline shared, “I started my first modelling assignment when I was five.” By the time she was 12, she was walking the ramp. But even as she carved a name for herself in the modelling world, her heart was always set on acting. “I was exposed to modelling, but deep down, I knew I wanted to be an actor. It was my true passion,” she explained. And though the journey wasn’t easy, it eventually led her to India, where she made her mark in Bollywood.

Living a dream

Despite her success in modelling, the shift to acting was overwhelming. “Modelling was something I knew, but acting was a completely new challenge for me,” Jacqueline admitted. With no formal training, she relied on her love for movies and the determination to learn as she went along. Her first major break came with Aladin, which she describes as a dream come true. “It was a big moment for me. I had no idea how, but I knew I was living my dream.”

In terms of choosing roles, Jacqueline’s perspective has evolved. Initially, she accepted any offer that came her way. “I was just happy to work,” she laughed. “Now, I ask myself—who is making the film? Who am I working with? What will this role bring to me and my audience?”

Her involvement in successful franchises like Housefull 2, Race 2, and Murder 2 earned her a strong following. But Jacqueline doesn’t feel pressurised by these roles—rather, she embraces the opportunity to innovate. “I focus on bringing something fresh to the character, ensuring I don’t repeat myself,” she said.

Cause bound

Beyond acting, Jacqueline is deeply involved in philanthropy. In 2021, she founded her NGO, YOLO (You Only Live Once), which supports various causes, including animal welfare. “Once I realised how much I could give back, I took action. Animals need our help and this cause is very close to my heart,” she shared. Staying fit while juggling her career is essential to Jacqueline. “I carry my workout essentials everywhere. Having them within reach makes staying consistent easier,” she said. Her go-to workout is weight training, which she believes is the key to strength and longevity.

Looking ahead, Jacqueline is excited about her future projects, including Housefull 5, and her debut in a web series. “There’s so much more to come, and I hope the audience enjoys what we’ve been working upon,” she said with a bright smile.

Kanika Inspired by her Punjabi roots

Kanika Goyal was excited to bring her latest collection to her hometown with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. The collection, Ascendrum, is a vibrant tribute to her Punjabi roots, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. Inspired by the water tanks in the villages of Punjab, the collection reflects a dual sense of belonging—anchored in local heritage, yet connected to global aspirations.

Kanika explained, “The water tanks hold an ironic symbolism. Some feature planes, symbolizing children who have settled abroad as pilots. Others display Army tanks, signifying a family member’s military background.” So are her designs, bursting with colour, bold energy, and playful tailoring, inspired by the architecture of Chandigarh, with geometric Phulkari embroidery fused with futuristic patterns. Kanika’s growth as a designer has been shaped by her exploration of human psychology and spirituality. “My designs are an emotional translation of the complexities of the human psyche,” she said. As an entrepreneur, she emphasised, “Talent alone isn’t enough; you need to put in the hard yards.”

Hari & Sukhmani impress with fusion music

Hari and Sukhmani, the dynamic duo behind the captivating sound of fusion music, have spent over a decade blending the old and the new, effortlessly bridging traditional Indian sounds with modern genres. As they got ready to perform at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, they reflected on their journey and emphasised the importance of staying true to the soul of music. “The goal is to preserve the essence of a song while using technology and techniques to enhance it,” Hari explained. Sukhmani added, “We consciously work towards keeping the soul of the song intact, incorporating traditional elements like sarangi and tumbi, while also appealing to a younger, Westernised audience.”

Their unique sound isn’t a challenge, but rather an exciting balancing act. “We live between two worlds—electronic and traditional,” says Sukhmani. Despite incorporating electronic elements, the duo’s music often has a spiritual quality. Currently, the duo is revisiting their electro-qawwali project, first introduced in 2009. “We are blending house music and techno with qawwali, experimenting with tempos that go up to 120 BPM,” says Sukhmani. They’re collaborating with Dhruv Sangari, a qawwal trained under Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, to bring this innovative fusion to life. Having worked together since December 2008, their bond remains strong. “We still want to create, perform and travel together,” says Hari.