Nora Fatehi Opens Up About Her Journey From Toronto To Bollywood Stardom
The dancer-actress shares her emotional transition story and gratitude for India's warm welcome
Glendon Moss is a marketer and storyteller with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns, content strategy, writing and performance marketing. Currently heading video content at Incnut Digital, he’s driven brand engagement and revenue for leading D2C brands with campaigns that have earned both commercial impact and international acclaim.
Read full bio of Glendon Moss
Image: Instagram
In a heartfelt interview on the MBInterviewLounge with Elvis, international sensation Nora Fatehi opened up about her life-changing decision to leave her home in Toronto to pursue a career in Bollywood, expressing profound gratitude for the warm reception she received in India.
The interview, shared on Instagram, captures Fatehi reflecting on her bold move across continents and the unexpected embrace she found in a foreign land. “I’m grateful for how they immediately accepted me,” Fatehi says in the clip, visibly moved while discussing her journey from Canada to becoming one of India’s most recognizable performers.
From Toronto To Tinseltown: A Leap Of Faith
Nora Fatehi’s story is one of remarkable determination. Born in Canada to Moroccan parents, she left behind her life in Toronto to pursue her dreams in India’s competitive entertainment industry without any prior connections or support system.
Fatehi made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with the film “Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans.” However, it was her breakthrough dance performances in songs like “Dilbar” from the movie “Satyameva Jayate” (2018) that catapulted her to fame. Her exceptional dancing skills quickly made her one of the most sought-after performers in the industry.
What makes Fatehi’s journey particularly notable is that she achieved this success as an outsider to the Indian film industry. Unlike many performers with family connections, she navigated the complex world of Bollywood on her own merit and talent.
Crossing Cultural Boundaries Through Music
Fatehi’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries has recently gained international recognition. In a recent Instagram post from Billboard, it was revealed that she is now working with 5 Junction Records, a joint venture between Warner Records and entrepreneur Anjula Acharia. The collaboration aims to help Warner Music artists including Fatehi and King reach North American audiences.
This partnership represents a full-circle moment for Fatehi, bringing her artistic journey back to North America while continuing to build on her Indian success. Her recent track “Snake” with Jason Derulo has already topped the BBC’s Official Asian Music Chart, demonstrating her growing global appeal.
Expanding Her Horizons Beyond Dance
While initially recognized primarily for her dancing prowess, Fatehi has steadily expanded her repertoire in the entertainment industry. She has served as a judge on dance reality shows and taken on acting roles in various films.
In a recent interview featured on Brides Today’s Instagram, Fatehi shared her perspective on different film industries: “Bollywood is a huge platform with a massive audience. The energy, glamour and scale of the projects are all exciting. South Indian cinema, on the other hand, is known for its strong narratives, rich cultures and larger-than-life characters.”
She was also recently announced as part of the cast for Netflix’s upcoming series “The Royals,” set to release on May 9th, showcasing her continued expansion into diverse acting projects.
A Message Of Gratitude
What resonates most in Fatehi’s interview is her genuine appreciation for the acceptance she found in India. Despite being an outsider, she has been welcomed by audiences and the industry alike, creating a remarkable success story that continues to unfold.
As she continues to bridge East and West through her artistry, Fatehi’s journey stands as inspiration for dreamers worldwide who dare to pursue their passions across borders and cultural boundaries. Her story proves that with talent, determination, and an open heart, one can find acceptance and success even far from home.
Trivia
Read full bio of Glendon Moss
