Nora Fatehi: I am always thinking about the next big thing

The multi-faceted and multi-talented entertainer, Nora Fatehi embodies the significance of her name. 'Nora' comes from the Arabic word ‘Noora’ meaning light and Nora Fatehi is in possibly the most luminous phase of her career. On her way to global domination, one beat at a time, the dancer, actor, and singer has been showcasing her skills on international platforms as well as taking Bollywood by storm, she has truly earned her swiftly risen to fame.

Cosmo: Tell us about your journey in the film industry… Did you always want to be an actor or an artist?

Nora Fatehi: “My journey in the film industry has been unique, and not something I’d foreseen. I've always wanted to be an actor and performer, and I’d imagined that in my first film, I would be the main lead. The film would involve some moving emotional scenes, lending me the opportunity to showcase my acting skills. But well, it didn't pan out that way… I had to go with the flow and chart out an unconventional path for myself. Thankfully, dance helped me stand out—opening doors that allowed me to attain my goal of becoming a celebrity, and introduced me to the magical world of cinema. In showbiz, it is often believed that if you want to become a celebrity, you must act first. But I serve as an example that there isn’t only one set path to stardom. You just need to be resilient, and believe in yourself.”

C: What are your earliest memories of cinema? Did you grow up watching Bollywood films?

NF: “I did grow up watching Bollywood films…I remember watching Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with my best friend from Bangladesh, back when I was eight or nine. I also remember watching a tonne of action films with my father—a lot of Jackie Chan, as we were both fans—and Devdas a couple of thousand times, too. I loved everything about cinema—the storytelling and the ability of actors to make you believe in fantasies, submerge you in emotion, and connect with you on-screen. As an artist, I felt I could identify with Bollywood, replete with dance and music...it intrigued me.”

C: What gives you strength?

NF: “Looking back at my journey—the last 10 to 15 years, perhaps—I realise that I have been blessed with friends that almost feel like guardian angels, who have helped me through difficult situations. They give me immense strength, and I don't know what I would do without them. And different people have given me strength during different phases of my life, and these people are very, very important to me, and I am grateful to them for being my pillars.”

C: What’s the best advice you have ever received?

NF: “I think my life experiences over the years have made me a lot stronger…and I kind of counselled myself during those times, which helped me move forward. I think the number one thing I realised is that people are going to talk regardless of what you do. So I ensured that I didn’t take people’s judgments personally. Another thing I have realised over the years is that you need to do what makes you happy because nobody is paying your rent and no one’s stocking up your fridge…that’s on you. So yeah, my life experiences have made me cultivate my own set of advice.”

C: You have a massive following on Instagram. What do you love most about the platform?

NF: “I do enjoy a huge following on Instagram. I remember when I was 18-or 19-years-old, a friend of mine nudged me to join the app and use it to grow as an artist. At that time, she told me that if I could hit a million followers, it would be really cool. And I thought to myself, ‘A million, that’s a lot! It’ll take me ages to hit that number.’. And today, I have almost 44 million followers…it’s crazy. This kind of growth sometimes seems unbelievable. But you know what, I really like this about Instagram…it has really helped me grow as an artist. It has given me exposure and allowed me to reach people all over the world. While I’m considered a Bollywood artist, my reach is way beyond India. There are no borders when it comes to social media Instagram, and that is what I love about it the most. #DanceWithNora is a very popular hashtag on social media, especially on Instagram. I use it to create a sense of community to showcase young talent and to give them an opportunity.”

C: How do you cope with the pressure in the public eye being in the limelight 24/7?

NF: “It’s not easy, but I try not to think about it a lot. I usually shift my focus towards things that matter…my purpose and why I’m here. I focus on my craft and how to be better at it. So, I always think of what’s next—I am like an engine that’s always running. I’m always trying to figure out how I can just shock people. I am always thinking about the next big thing, and that has helped me cope with the pressures that come with being in the limelight.”

C: Tell us about your experience of performing a FIFA amidst thousands of people?

NF: “Performing in front of almost 70,000 people was life-changing. It was really humbling, and I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to do so. To be honest, it has ignited a new fire within me to grow even more. I have come from such simple, humble beginnings, and I never imagined that I’d be celebrated by such a diverse fan base. I feel lucky and blessed.”

C: How has your definition of success evolved over the years?

NF: “Unfortunately, a lot of people around me—including those in the industry—have felt that success must be defined by just one thing. I have never agreed with this notion. According to me, success actually doesn’t have a set definition…it involves being able to connect with people, and becoming a role model to whom they can look up to. If you want to be successful at something, do not stick to just one lane. And if someone tries to put you in a box, don't allow yourself to be enslaved.”

C: What is your greatest fear that not many people know about?

NF: “While I don’t really talk about my fears, I do have a lot of them. I have a fear of feeling helpless—which stems from past experiences, complexes, and insecurities—and I also worry about losing a loved one. While chasing my dreams, I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with those who matter most. In this rat race, I fear I may lose out on moments that I will never be able to get back…birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, graduations, and so on. I do not want to get lost in time.”

C: What does self-care mean to you?

NF: “Self-care, for me, has many definitions…for instance, getting rid of toxic energy—and toxic people—from your life. It involves taking time to deconstruct, block out the noise, and focus on the little things. Besides that, watching television, indulging in a skincare routine, swimming, and travelling, all constitute self-care. But first and foremost, eliminate toxicity…it can really affect your momentum and mental health.”

Photographs: Sushant Chhabria; Styling: Zunaili Malik; Hair and Make-up: Marianna Mukuchyan; Fashion Assistant: Humaira Lakdawala; Fashion Intern: Sanjana Tekchandani; Production: Studio Little Dumpling