Jacqueline Fernandez has turned singer with her new single Stormrider. Released on YouTube a few weeks ago, the song already has millions of hits and it showcases a new creative side to Jacqueline. In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, the Housefull 5 actress reveals that her personal battles and upheavals have inspired her to create message of positivity through this song. Jacqueline also tells us how she’s excited to reunite with Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and her other Housefull co-stars. And she’s also looking to create more opportunities as a musician and singer. Read on…
What inspired you to venture into music, and how does Stormrider reflect your personal journey?
Music has always been a big part of my life. My father was a part-time DJ, and growing up I was exposed to so many genres and influences. It wasn’t until recently that I felt the time was right to explore that side of myself. Stormrider is about embracing change and resilience, which is something I’ve experienced personally. Whether it’s been my transition into Bollywood or navigating the ups and downs of life, I wanted this song to reflect my journey of inner strength and transformation.
What sort of personal experiences have inspired the lyrics of Stormrider?
Stormrider draws heavily from my own experiences. I’ve faced challenges in my life where I’ve had to adapt. The song represents finding strength in those moments of turmoil. Just like a storm can be chaotic, it also clears the path for something new, and that’s how I see the difficult moments in life—they shape us and help us grow.
How was your experience collaborating with Amrita Sen, Robin Grubert and the production team on Stormrider?
It was an incredible experience working with such talented people. Amrita and Robin brought their own creativity and energy to the project, and we really connected on the vision for the song. They understood the message I wanted to convey, and together we created something that felt authentic. The entire production team worked tirelessly to bring Stormrider to life, especially with the visual elements, which were just as important as the music itself.
You’ve mentioned spending almost a year on this single. Can you share any challenges or memorable moments from the creative process?
It’s true, we spent almost a year working on Stormrider. There were so many challenges, from perfecting the sound to the visuals. One of the most memorable moments for me was during the poster shoot, when I realized that everything we’d been working on was actually happening. I remember standing there in full costume, and it just hit me how far we’d come. It was a mix of exhaustion and pride because we had poured everything into this project.
With Kill Em All 2, Welcome To The Jungle, and Housefull 5 on the horizon, how do you balance your music and acting pursuits?
It’s definitely a balancing act, but I feel like my music and acting pursuits complement each other. Both are creative outlets, and I enjoy switching between them. I try to stay focused on the project at hand, whether it’s shooting for a film or recording in the studio. Having a great team behind me helps a lot too, and they ensure I’m able to give my all to both.
How does it feel reuniting with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh on Housefull 5?
Housefull 5 is going to be a blast! I’ve always enjoyed working on the Housefull series because it’s lighthearted, fun, and has an energy that’s so unique. Reuniting with Akshay and Riteish feels like coming home—we’ve shared so many laughs and memories over the years, and it’s always great to collaborate with them again. There’s a certain camaraderie on set that makes the experience so enjoyable.
How do you hope your journey inspires your fans, especially women?
I really hope that through my journey, I can inspire women to be fearless and to chase their dreams, no matter how big or small. Life can be unpredictable, but I’ve learned that embracing those challenges makes you stronger. I want to remind women that they can create their own path and that resilience is one of the greatest strengths we have.
What message do you want listeners to take away from Stormrider?
I want listeners to feel empowered when they hear Stormrider. It’s a song about weathering the storm, but also finding beauty in it. There will always be difficult times, but those moments are temporary, and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I hope the song inspires people to embrace change and to see their own strength during tough times.
Now that you’ve debuted as a singer, what’s next for your music career? Are there any upcoming collaborations or projects?
I’m definitely excited about where my music journey is headed! I’m already working on a few new tracks and there are some exciting collaborations in the pipeline. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but there’s more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. Music has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me, and I’m loving every minute of it.
How do you see your music and acting careers intersecting or influencing each other?
Music and acting are both ways for me to tell stories, and I think they intersect naturally. As an actress, I’m used to embodying different characters and emotions, and I think that helps me when I’m writing or performing music. Likewise, my experiences in music have given me new perspectives that I can bring into my acting. I love that I get to do both, and I think each one enhances the other.
Do you feel social media is the ideal way for stars to connect with their fans? Do you feel traditional media platforms are less relevant today as social media continues to gain more importance?
Social media has definitely changed the way we connect with fans. It’s immediate, and it allows for a more personal interaction. I love being able to share moments from my life directly with my followers, and it’s such a powerful way to communicate. Both have their strengths though, and both play a role in the lives of my fans.
Apart from music are there any other latent passions that you like to work on?
I’m really passionate about animal welfare and I work on it through YOLO. I’ve always been an advocate for protecting animals, and I try to use my platform to raise awareness about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. I’m also very conscious about sustainability, and I think it’s important for all of us to do our bit in protecting the planet for future generations.
