Cannes 2025 – Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who dazzled on the red carpet of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, has not only turned heads with her glamorous appearance but also made headlines with her candid remarks about the stereotyping culture in Bollywood.

In a heartfelt interview with The Hollywood Reporter during her Cannes appearance, Jacqueline revealed that despite being grateful for the opportunities she has received, the industry often typecasts her based on her appearance, leaving her little room to explore her true potential as an actor.

“They’ve Stereotyped Me” – Jacqueline Gets Real

During the candid conversation, Jacqueline said:

“People thought a particular role was right for me and then stereotyped me in that. They think this is what suits me. That’s been my journey so far.”

The actress, who has been part of big-banner films like Kick, Race 3, and Judwaa 2, expressed how she has often been boxed into roles that match her glamorous persona, rather than being given challenging or versatile characters to portray.

“I Am Given Roles According to the Way I Look”

Taking the conversation further, Jacqueline admitted:

“In the industry, you are given work based on your personality and appearance. I am given roles according to the way I look. I rarely get the chance to do something different or more.”

She emphasized that while she is thankful to have worked with some of the industry's biggest stars and filmmakers, she yearns for more meaningful and diverse roles.

A Desire to Evolve as an Artist

Despite the stereotyping, Jacqueline’s hunger to grow as an artist remains strong. She said:

“I want to push myself. I want to learn. I want to rise. I want to explore. We all have the right to evolve and expand creatively.”

This raw and honest self-reflection has sparked a conversation not only about Jacqueline’s journey but also about the broader culture of typecasting in Bollywood, especially for women who are perceived as glamorous.

Cannes Appearance Steals the Show

While her comments stirred industry debates, Jacqueline's look at Cannes 2025 didn’t go unnoticed. Dressed in a stunning ensemble that combined elegance with international flair, she confidently owned the red carpet. This is not her first appearance at Cannes, but it is perhaps her most talked-about, thanks to her powerful voice behind the glamour.

Interestingly, Jacqueline also mentioned that her first Cannes appearance went completely unnoticed in the media, pointing to how visibility in the entertainment industry often hinges on timing and PR, rather than just merit or talent.

Social Media Reacts: “She’s Speaking What Many Feel”

Her bold statements have triggered mixed reactions online. While many applauded her for speaking up, others debated whether her glamorous choices contributed to her being cast in such roles.

One user commented, “Jacqueline is finally saying what a lot of actors quietly experience.”
Another wrote, “If you want meaningful roles, stop doing mindless glamour films.”

Bollywood’s Typecasting Problem

Jacqueline’s experience is not an isolated case. Many actresses have spoken in the past about how looks and image heavily influence casting decisions in Bollywood. While the industry has slowly started embracing content-driven narratives, the stigma of appearance-based casting still exists, especially for female actors.