Another Jacqueline Fernandez? One more Miss Sri Lanka set to make Bollywood debut

Former Ms Sri Lanka (2006) Jacqueline Fernandez began her acting career with Aladin (2009) opposite Riteish Deshmukh. Now another Ms Sri Lanka-Australia, (2007) Chandi Perera, has made her debut in a Riteish starrer Grand Masti. Although Aladin didn’t work at the box office, Jackie struggled till she made it with Murder 2, Housefull 2 and Race 2. Chandi’s career has begun with a bang with her debut being a monster hit.

About her predecessor Chandi says, “I haven’t met Jacqueline.

She is someone that I truly admire. How do I compare? I think I am a tad taller and better (laughs)! Just kidding! Really, hers and Katrina’s success gives a lot of strength to all outsiders who want to work here!”

Like Jackie, she too started off as a model. “I was approached to do an ad while I was waiting for a train in a Sydney metro! Ever since I did my first commercial I was dreaming of working as an actor. Then I worked in theatre and also in Sri Lankan films.” 

She has already done an ad with Ajay Devgn, directed by Sanjay Gupta and hopes she can make a name for herself in B-Town, “I want to make it big in Bollywood. I believe behind every successful person there’s destiny, hard work, talent then there’s God.

Amitabhji started as a voice artist and took many years to get a lead role but look where he is today! Do I have those qualities? I will find out!”

When asked about the actresses she admires Chandi says she would love to work with Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor (please note: no mention of Jacqueline here) and adds, “In fact, there is a whole list of people I want to work with especially Amitabh Bachchan. I would probably forget to breathe or something if I really get to be in the same frame with him! Also, I don’t want to get stuck in the typical foreigner girl in Indian film roles. I don’t mind them at all but I want to play a different variation of roles!”