Nora Fatehi says Bollywood felt like high school

Nora Fatehi recently shared her perspective on Bollywood’s exclusive nature, likening it to a high school experience but with even more challenges for newcomers.
In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Nora revealed her experience as a foreigner in the industry, saying, “Bollywood felt like high school. I was like, ‘this is Westview all over again.’” She explained that Bollywood cliques, formed early on, make it harder for outsiders to break in.
Recalling similar dynamics from her time in Canada after living in Saudi Arabia, she noted, “When you’ve done it once, it feels like you can do it again.” She emphasized that proving oneself is essential, especially for foreigners, stating that learning Hindi and assimilating into Indian culture are crucial.

“Since you’re an outsider, if you don’t prove yourself or learn Hindi… there’s no way in,” Nora added. She clarified that she never blamed the industry for being selective, understanding the importance of experience and adaptability.
Nora also commented on Bollywood’s homogenized beauty standards, observing, “We have started looking the same. I don’t know how that happened,” referring to the lack of diversity in female representation due to aesthetic standards.

Dedicated to her craft, Nora disclosed her strategy for success, spending time studying why others succeeded or faded from the spotlight. “Anytime a new person is launched… I make graphs and analyse everything,” she shared, explaining that many foreigners fail due to their reluctance to embrace Indian culture and language.