Her lineage can be traced back to Morocco – a land where the East meets the West. She was born and bred in Canada. That explains why actor/dancer/singer Nora Fatehi’s charisma is global. She made her debut in the Bollywood film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and gained popularity in Telugu cinema with item numbers in films like Temper and Kick 2. She’s also starred in Malayalam films, Double Barrel and Kayamkulam Kochunni. What won her massive fans are her sensuous and groovy item numbers in Bollywood like Manohari (Baahubali: The Beginning), Dilbar (Satyamev Jayate), O saki saki (Batla House), Kamariya (Stree) and Ek toh kam zindagani (Marjaavaan), besides her recent hit Garmi with Varun Dhawan in Street Dancer 3D.
But Nora’s not only about sizzling moves. With her sharp sensibilities, she enjoys a strong presence on social media (13.5 million followers on Instagram), where she urges her followers to be more aware, more humane – sometimes through quirky videos, sometimes through socially relevant posts. Looking forward to her next - Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride of India – she gets chatting during lockdown…
It’s a small gesture. I believe whatever little one can contribute matters in the bigger picture. It’s unfortunate that such essential resources are limited despite the fact that a lot of money has been collectively raised by people, throughout this lockdown. It seems it isn’t translating in the way it should. Basic medical supplies should never be a privilege. Rather it should be a right for all medical workers.
Well not that I didn’t believe in these lessons before. However, I had more time to appreciate a lot of things. That is not to take health, family and loved ones for granted. I can’t wait until I can start my own family one day and have my own beautiful kids. This lockdown also reminded me that a lot of things, I studied in school regarding our global, political and economic system along with the Global Agenda, are now unfolding. Strong political leaders in the past warned the world of many things, which were dismissed and laughed upon at that time. They were not joking. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to receive education and the ability to think critically, something many fail to do. Critical thinking is the need of the hour. There’s a massive change happening beyond what the media wants to show us. We must read and educate ourselves immediately.
One of my best friends’ father passed away. It was extremely difficult for me to see my friend go through such an experience. It was heart-breaking as he died on Eid. I decided not to celebrate out of respect as it was an emotional moment for all of us. Losing a parent is scary. To see your own friend struggle to get past it is humbling and emotionally exhausting. I thank God every day that we wake up alive and healthy and that our families are healthy too.
I’ve been particular about my social media since day one – even before entering the industry. I’m an extremely creative person. My social media pages, including my YouTube channel, are my gateways to project my creativity and talent to the audience. It’s my platform to make people laugh through my comedy, to show off new dance skills, while also educating people about world events and spreading awareness. I’m driven to entertain and showcase my talents. I always believed I didn’t need to wait for someone to give me a platform to showcase that. I should create a platform for myself. That’s why I work so diligently on social media. It’s a borderless world, where one reaches out to just about anyone in the globe. I’m blessed to have such a multicultural and diverse following.
Of course, it’s been challenging. However, I don’t dwell on that much. I keep it going. I keep pushing regardless. I believe in myself. I know the right people will always work with me. I feel thankful that I’m a celebrated artiste in India and in other parts of the world. It shows that it doesn’t matter where you are from. It’s the hard work, dedication, talent and earnestness that counts. It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I hope that inspires people. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Why should one be known for only one trait? Can’t I be known for both? While growing up, I was never considered a good dancer due to my lack of training. However, I worked on myself and became a good dancer. I still work on my dance every day because there’s so much to learn. An artiste can be multidimensional. One should be able to celebrate an artiste for his/her multiple skills. I will be known both as a great actor and dancer by the end of my journey for sure.
It’s hard to choose. It would be all of Helen mam’s and Madhuri mam’s songs. Others would be Chikni chameli (Agneepath), Kala chashma (Baar Baar Dekho), Kamli (Dhoom 3) and of course all my songs.
You donated PPE kits to the government hospitals in the country. That was a great move...
It’s a small gesture. I believe whatever little one can contribute matters in the bigger picture. It’s unfortunate that such essential resources are limited despite the fact that a lot of money has been collectively raised by people, throughout this lockdown. It seems it isn’t translating in the way it should. Basic medical supplies should never be a privilege. Rather it should be a right for all medical workers.
What lessons have you imbibed during this lockdown period?
Well not that I didn’t believe in these lessons before. However, I had more time to appreciate a lot of things. That is not to take health, family and loved ones for granted. I can’t wait until I can start my own family one day and have my own beautiful kids. This lockdown also reminded me that a lot of things, I studied in school regarding our global, political and economic system along with the Global Agenda, are now unfolding. Strong political leaders in the past warned the world of many things, which were dismissed and laughed upon at that time. They were not joking. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to receive education and the ability to think critically, something many fail to do. Critical thinking is the need of the hour. There’s a massive change happening beyond what the media wants to show us. We must read and educate ourselves immediately.
We heard you lost someone close to you due to Covid-19. How did you deal with the loss?
At present, every industry is facing salary cuts. will film artistes also accept such cuts?
I’m sure there will be a lot of changes in our industry this year.You recently became the most followed Moroccan artiste in the world. What keeps you so engaged social media game?
I’ve been particular about my social media since day one – even before entering the industry. I’m an extremely creative person. My social media pages, including my YouTube channel, are my gateways to project my creativity and talent to the audience. It’s my platform to make people laugh through my comedy, to show off new dance skills, while also educating people about world events and spreading awareness. I’m driven to entertain and showcase my talents. I always believed I didn’t need to wait for someone to give me a platform to showcase that. I should create a platform for myself. That’s why I work so diligently on social media. It’s a borderless world, where one reaches out to just about anyone in the globe. I’m blessed to have such a multicultural and diverse following.
How challenging has been your journey given the fact that you were an outsider?
Of course, it’s been challenging. However, I don’t dwell on that much. I keep it going. I keep pushing regardless. I believe in myself. I know the right people will always work with me. I feel thankful that I’m a celebrated artiste in India and in other parts of the world. It shows that it doesn’t matter where you are from. It’s the hard work, dedication, talent and earnestness that counts. It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I hope that inspires people. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How would you like to be known - as a beautiful dancer or an actor?
Why should one be known for only one trait? Can’t I be known for both? While growing up, I was never considered a good dancer due to my lack of training. However, I worked on myself and became a good dancer. I still work on my dance every day because there’s so much to learn. An artiste can be multidimensional. One should be able to celebrate an artiste for his/her multiple skills. I will be known both as a great actor and dancer by the end of my journey for sure.
Your favourite Bollywood dance numbers…
It’s hard to choose. It would be all of Helen mam’s and Madhuri mam’s songs. Others would be Chikni chameli (Agneepath), Kala chashma (Baar Baar Dekho), Kamli (Dhoom 3) and of course all my songs.
Nora Fatehi’s success mantra
- Don’t get distracted, focus on yourself and keep learning.
- There’s always room for growth.
- Don’t let people make you believe that you can only do one thing.
- Break the stereotypes.
- Be fierce and hungry.
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