Shooting for the stars ft.Elnaaz Norouzi

Iranian-German model-turned-actor, who is known for her acting chops in Sacred Games and Made in Heaven S2, and singer on beating the odds, breaking into Bollywood, and staying true to herself.

- Shubhangi Jindal

Cosmo: You started modelling at a very young age. Was it a lifelong passion?

Elnaaz Norouzi: Absolutely, I have always liked being in the spotlight. Since childhood, I aspired to become an actor and at some point it developed into a stronger desire of becoming a Bollywood actor. I remember I was 11-years-old when I suddenly became very tall. By the time I turned 14, I naturally had the figure of a model. That was the main reason why I could start so early. Also as a model, you do get to act in ad-films, and that helped me understand the camera enough to be comfortable experimenting in front of it.

C: How has the transition from modelling to pursuing an acting career in Bollywood been like so far?

EN: Modelling and acting are very different. Modelling is about quick projects, while acting demands sustained commitment. You have to put all your heart and soul into that one project, and disconnect with the world to be able to get into that character. It’s been a beautiful transition, given that I’ve always wanted to become an actor. However, becoming a part of the film industry in India was particularly tough for me because I had no support to begin with. I had to find means of living, pay my bills, and navigate life on my terms while also trying out for Bollywood at the same time. I had to kind of stop modelling to put more hours into my acting career.

C: Take us through the time you knew you had finally broken into the film scene.

EN: The evolution was tough but breaking into the film scene felt like a dream. When I got my first project, Sacred Games, I thought this was it!