Bollywood isn’t easy for outsiders: Elnaaz Norouzi

Elnaaz Norouzi, who was in Ahmedabad recently for an event, had “a great experience” in the city. The Iranian-German model-actress, known for her roles in Sacred Games, Made in Heaven and Tehran, says, “People here were very welcoming. I didn’t get time to explore the city or try out local cuisine but I want to be back here soon.”

She is excited about 2025 and says, “I am in a great space and feel a bit settled now in the industry. Things are going in the right direction and 2025 is going to be a great year. I was a part of the second season of an Emmy-winning series (Tehran) and now, I am playing my first female lead in Hollywood in Hotel Tehran, which also stars Zachary Levi and Liam Neeson. I am really excited about it.”

‘Feel lucky to have worked with amazing directors like Zoya Akhtar’
Elnaaz, who is into modelling and music too, says, “Professionally, I enjoy acting the most. Music is also something that I have really started to enjoy. Now, when I make music, write songs, and record them, it feels therapeutic. But acting is my true love.”

Remembering her experience of shooting for Made in Heaven, she says, “I auditioned for Made in Heaven when I was in Germany during COVID. After that, while shooting in France, we had to get tested every day for COVID, which was a painful routine. But otherwise, it was an amazing experience. I think my episode was directed by Zoya Akhtar and I feel lucky to have worked with such amazing directors.”


‘It has been challenging for me to be accepted as an artiste here’Elaborating on her journey here, Elnaaz says, “It has been challenging for me to be accepted as an artiste here. Bollywood isn’t easy for outsiders and even more so for foreigners. So, one needs to work really hard to make it here. It has been great to work with big directors like Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap and Zoya Akhtar at the beginning of my career.”

Talking about doing projects in different languages and mediums, she adds, “I love doing projects in different languages as I love languages and have studied languages. I love challenges. When I did Marathi or Telugu songs and they told me that it was ok if I didn’t know the lyrics, I refused because if I am doing something, I want to do it properly. So, I learned the lyrics properly. Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond was challenging as there was a lot of action and I was playing an undercover Indian agent in Pakistan. I had to make sure that my Urdu had a proper accent. I have always welcomed challenges. I have always said that OTT is going to be the next big thing and now, even big stars are doing OTT projects.”

"I miss my home and my family as I am not allowed in Iran. I miss the food, the smell, and my friends. I used to watch Bollywood movies, especially Shah Rukh Khan’s movies, when I was young. It made me move to India to pursue a career in showbiz"

"I have not felt stereotyped in the industry. I have played Indian, Iranian and Afghan characters and also explored different genres like thriller, comedy etc"