Are you interested in exploring Nora Fatehi biography, the Canadian-Moroccan dancer, model, actress, and singer with an impact on Bollywood?
Her captivating performances, from her Bollywood debut in Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans to the viral sensation “Dilbar,” have earned her widespread acclaim. With a unique blend of cultural influences and a dynamic presence, Nora Fatehi biography highlights her journey from Canada to becoming a celebrated figure in Bollywood, showcasing her versatility and global appeal.
Table of Content
Nora Fatehi Biography Personal Life
Controversies Involving Nora Fatehi
4 Interesting Facts about Nora Fatehi
Nora Fatehi Biography
Nora Fatehi (born February 6, 1992) is a Canadian dancer and actress who has made a name for herself in the Indian film industry. She has appeared in Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam films, making her acting debut with the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans.
Fatehi gained widespread recognition in Telugu cinema for her special appearance songs in films like Temper, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Kick 2. She also starred in the Malayalam films Double Barrel and Kayamkulam Kochunni. In 2015, she rose to fame as a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss and later showcased her dance skills on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in 2016.
Her breakout moment in Bollywood came with the song “Dilbar” in Satyameva Jayate, which garnered over 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, becoming the first Hindi song to achieve such a milestone. She later collaborated with the Moroccan hip-hop group Fnaïre for an Arabic version of “Dilbar.”
In 2019, she made her international debut with the English song “Pepeta” in collaboration with Tanzanian artist Rayvanny. In 2022, she featured in “Light The Sky” for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, alongside artists like RedOne, Manal, Balqees, and Rahma Riad. Nora Fatehi has also played supporting roles in Street Dancer 3D (2020) and Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021), and has served as a judge on popular dance shows Dance Deewane Juniors and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10.
Early Life and Background
Nora Fatehi was born on February 6, 1992, in Toronto, Canada, to an Arabic-Moroccan family. Her mother has Indian heritage, creating a unique cultural connection to India. She has a younger brother named Omar.
Nora graduated from Westview Centennial Secondary School and later enrolled at York University, but left before completing her degree to pursue her passion for performing arts. From a young age, she was fascinated by music and dance, beginning to learn belly dancing through online videos without any formal training.
Nora Fatehi Personal Life
Nora hails from an Arabic-Moroccan family, which adds a unique cultural dimension to her identity. Despite her family’s supportive nature, they initially opposed her aspirations to enter the entertainment industry.
This resistance stemmed from traditional values and concerns about the challenges of show business. While her family’s names are not publicly disclosed, it is known that her mother has Indian heritage, which creates a blend of cultural influences in Nora’s life.
She has a younger brother named Omar, who has been a part of her journey, providing familial support amidst her career challenges.
How old is Nora Fatehi?
As of 2024, Nora Fatehi is 32 years old. Born on February 6, 1992, she navigated her career in the entertainment industry with determination and passion, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
Nora Fatehi Relationships
Nora’s romantic life has been the subject of public interest, with several notable relationships:
- Varinder Ghuman:
Nora was previously in a relationship with Punjabi wrestler Varinder Ghuman. They met during the early stages of her career when she was trying to establish herself in the industry.
Varinder, who also appeared in the film “Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans,” was supportive of her ambitions. However, as both pursued their respective careers, they eventually decided to part ways.
- Prince Narula:
During her time on Bigg Boss 9, rumors circulated about a possible romance between Nora and actor Prince Narula.
Their chemistry on the show garnered significant attention, and Prince even expressed his feelings for her, stating that they were getting to know each other better.
Despite the public’s fascination with their relationship, Nora denied any romantic involvement, emphasizing that they were just friends.
- Angad Bedi:
Nora was also linked to actor Angad Bedi after they were spotted together at various social events. Their frequent appearances led to speculation about a romantic relationship.
However, both Nora and Angad maintained that they were merely friends. The situation became more complex when Angad married actress Neha Dhupia, which reportedly created a rift between him and Nora.
In interviews, Nora has referred to Angad as a close friend, but the dynamics of their relationship shifted after his marriage.
Who is Nora Fatehi Husband?
As of now, Nora Fatehi is not married. She is currently single and has not publicly disclosed any information about a husband or long-term partner.
Career Beginnings
Nora made her acting debut in the Bollywood film “Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans” in 2014. She gained recognition in the Telugu film industry through item numbers in movies like “Temper,” “Baahubali: The Beginning,” and “Kick 2.” She also appeared in Malayalam films such as “Double Barrel” and “Kayamkulam Kochunni.”
Debut and Early Dancing Roles (2014-2019)
Nora Fatehi launched her career with her debut in the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans, playing the role of CJ. Following this, she made a significant impact in Telugu cinema, starting with the item number “Ittage Recchipodham” in Puri Jagannadh’s Temper.
Her popularity grew with special appearances in films like Mr. X and item numbers in Baahubali: The Beginning (“Manohari”) and Kick 2 (“Kukkurukuru”).
In 2015, she signed onto several Telugu projects, including Sher and Loafer, and featured in the bilingual film Oopiri/Thozha. Fatehi also gained attention as a wild card entrant in Bigg Boss 9, where she remained for three weeks.
She further showcased her dancing skills in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 in 2016 and starred opposite Sanjay Suri in My Birthday Song. By 2019, Fatehi became an exclusive artist for T-Series, appearing in popular songs like “O Saki O Saki” from Batla House and “Ek Toh Kum Zindagani” from Marjaavaan.
Expansion to Acting Roles (2020-Present)
In 2020, Fatehi took on the role of Mia, a dancer in Street Dancer 3D, opposite Varun Dhawan. She made history as the first African-Arab female artist with a song (“Dilbar”) surpassing one billion views on YouTube.
She debuted internationally with the single “Dirty Little Secret” in collaboration with Zack Knight, performed at the 22nd IIFA Awards. That year, she replaced Parineeti Chopra in Bhuj: The Pride of India, playing a spy named Heena.
Fatehi continued to expand her repertoire in 2022, featuring in the song “Manike” for the film Thank God and “Jehda Nasha” from An Action Hero.
She also performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and judged dance shows like Dance Deewane Juniors and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10. In 2023, she appeared in the music video “Achha Sila Diya” alongside Rajkummar Rao, a recreation of a classic from the 1995 film Bewafa Sanam.
In 2024, Fatehi ventured deeper into acting, playing Alia in Crakk opposite Vidyut Jammwal, though the film received mixed reviews. Her portrayal of Tasha in Madgaon Express, opposite Divyenndu, was noted for giving her a more substantial role, earning praise for her performance.
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Media Image
In 2022, Nora Fatehi continued to solidify her position as a leading performer in the Indian entertainment industry. On the sets of Dance Deewane, Vedanshi Pathak of Filmfare remarked, “One song after the other, Fatehi proved that there is no one in the industry who can dance with such conviction and look appealing while doing so.”
Her captivating performances have made her a sought-after brand endorser, with notable associations with Dabur and CakeZone.
In 2023, Fatehi became the only actress to perform twice at the prestigious IIFA Awards, further cementing her status as a top entertainer.
That March, she took part in “The Entertainers” tour across various U.S. cities, sharing the stage with Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Mouni Roy, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, Stebin Ben, and Zahrah S. Khan, showcasing her diverse talents to an international audience.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Language(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans | CJ | Hindi |
| 2015 | Crazy Cukkad Family | Amy | Hindi |
| Temper | Herself | Telugu | |
| Mr. X | Herself | Hindi | |
| Double Barrel | Herself | Malayalam | |
| Baahubali: The Beginning | Unnamed | Telugu / Tamil | |
| Kick 2 | Herself | Telugu | |
| Sher | Herself | Telugu | |
| Loafer | Herself | Telugu | |
| 2016 | Rocky Handsome | Herself | Hindi |
| Oopiri / Thozha | Nemali | Telugu / Tamil | |
| 2018 | My Birthday Song | Sandy | Hindi |
| Satyameva Jayate | Unnamed | Hindi | |
| Stree | Unnamed | Hindi | |
| Kayamkulam Kochuni | Herself | Malayalam | |
| 2019 | Bharat | Suzan Vilayati Khan | Hindi |
| Batla House | Huma / Victoria | Hindi | |
| Marjaavaan | Herself | Hindi | |
| 2020 | Street Dancer 3D | Mia | Hindi |
| 2021 | Bhuj: The Pride of India | Heena Rehman | Hindi |
| Satyameva Jayate 2 | Dilruba | Hindi | |
| 2022 | Thank God | Herself | Hindi |
| An Action Hero | Herself | Hindi | |
| 2024 | Crakk | Alia | Hindi |
| Madgaon Express | Tasha | Hindi | |
| Matka | Sofia | Telugu | |
| TBA | KD – The Devil †| TBA | Kannada |
Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 | Bigg Boss 9 | Contestant | 9th place |
| 2016 | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 | Contestant | 10th place |
| 2018 | MTV Dating in the Dark | Host | |
| 2022 | Dance Deewane Juniors 1 | Herself | Judge |
| 2022 | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 | ||
| 2023 | Hip Hop India 1 |
Web Series Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Star vs Food (Season 2) | Herself | Episode 5 |
| 2022 | Moving In With Malaika | Herself | Episode 7 |
Music Videos
| Year | Title | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Pop The Bottle | Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Akasa Singh, Badshah |
| 2017 | Naah | Harrdy Sandhu |
| 2017 | Baby Marvake Maanegi | Raftaar |
| 2018 | Dilbar Arabic Version | Herself, Fnaïre |
| 2019 | Pachtaoge | Arijit Singh |
| 2019 | Pepeta | Herself, Rayvanny |
| 2020 | Pachtaoge (Female version) | Asees Kaur |
| 2020 | Naach Meri Rani | Guru Randhawa, Nikhita Gandhi |
| 2020 | Body (Dance Cover) | Megan Thee Stallion |
| 2021 | Chhor Denge | Parampara Tandon |
| 2021 | Dance Meri Rani | Guru Randhawa, Zahrah S Khan |
| 2023 | Achha Sila Diya | B Praak |
| 2024 | Zaalim | Payal Dev, Badshah |
| 2024 | Payal | Yo Yo Honey Singh, Paradox |
| 2024 | Aaye Haaye | Karan Aujla, Neha Kakkar |
Discography
| Year | Title | Co-singer |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dilbar Arabic Version | Fnaïre |
| 2019 | Pepeta | Rayvanny |
| 2022 | Dirty Little Secret | Zack Knight |
| 2022 | Light The Sky | Balqees, Rahma Riad, Manal |
| 2023 | Sexy In My Dress | — |
| 2023 | Im Bossy | — |
| 2024 | Who’s Your Mommy | Srushti Tawade, Sameer Uddin |
| 2024 | Body On Me | Badshah |
| 2024 | NORA | — |
| 2024 | It’s True | CKay |
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Pinkvilla Style Icons Awards | Fashion Trailblazer | Won |
| 2023 | Bollywood Hungama Style Icons | Most Stylish Glam Star | Nominated |
Rise to Fame
Nora participated in season nine of Bigg Boss in 2015, where she was eliminated on day 84. She also took part in the reality dance competition “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” in 2016.
Her major breakthrough came with the song “Dilbar” from “Satyameva Jayate” (2018), which achieved 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, making it the first Hindi song to reach such a milestone.
Nora collaborated with the Moroccan hip-hop group Fnare to create an Arabic version of the song.
In 2019, she co-wrote and co-produced “Pepeta,” her debut English song for a global audience, in collaboration with Tanzanian artist Rayvanny.
Notable Works and Collaborations
Nora has collaborated with various artists and appeared in numerous music videos, including:
- “Pepeta” with Tanzanian musician Rayvanny (2019)
- “Light The Sky,” a song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, featuring multiple artists
- “Dirty Little Secret” with Zack Knight, marking her international single debut
Her film credits include supporting roles in “Street Dancer 3D” (2020) and “Bhuj: The Pride of India” (2021). She also served as a judge on dance shows like “Dance Deewane Juniors” and “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10.”
Recent Projects
In 2022, Nora appeared in the song “Manike” for the film “Thank God” and “Jehda Nasha” from “An Action Hero.” In 2023, she collaborated with Rajkummar Rao in the song “Achha Sila Diya.” She also took on acting roles in films like “Crakk” and “Madgaon Express,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Struggles and Challenges
Numerous challenges marked Nora’s journey to success:
- Early Job Struggles: Starting at age 16, she worked various jobs, including retail sales associate, waitress, and telemarketer, to support her family financially.
- Cultural Barriers: Upon moving to India, she faced difficulties as a foreigner in the industry. She encountered aggressive treatment from her first agency and lost significant money from advertising campaigns.
- Living Conditions: Nora initially lived in an apartment with eight other girls, facing theft and lack of privacy. She has spoken about the emotional toll of being taunted for her accent and struggling with interviews.
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Controversies Involving Nora Fatehi
Terrence Lewis Incident
Nora Fatehi has been at the center of controversy due to an incident involving choreographer Terrence Lewis. In a widely circulated video, it appeared that Terrence touched Nora’s butt during a performance.
This moment sparked significant backlash and discussions on social media. Both Nora and Terrence later clarified that the footage had been edited, suggesting that the context was misrepresented. Despite the clarification, the incident drew considerable attention and raised questions about personal boundaries in the entertainment industry.
Interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate
In October 2021, Nora Fatehi faced scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which reportedly interrogated her for over eight hours. This inquiry was part of an investigation related to a ₹200 crore extortion case involving scam artist Sukesh Chandrasekhar.
The lengthy questioning highlighted the challenges and pressures faced by celebrities when entangled in legal matters, even if they are not directly involved in wrongdoing.
Fashion Criticism
Nora has made a significant impact in the Indian film industry, known for her exceptional dancing skills and striking appearance. However, her fashion choices have occasionally drawn criticism.
Recently, she faced ridicule for wearing a velvet outfit with an extensive train, with internet users mockingly suggesting that she was “sweeping the streets” with her gown.
This incident is not isolated; Nora has faced backlash in the past for her bold fashion statements, illustrating the double-edged sword of celebrity status where admiration can quickly turn to mockery.
Comments on Feminism
In 2024, Nora stirred controversy during an appearance on Ranveer Allahabadia’s podcast, BeerBiceps. She expressed her views on feminism, stating that she does not subscribe to the movement and believes it has negatively impacted society.
Nora articulated her belief that men should be providers and women nurturers, describing this perspective as a traditional viewpoint rather than outdated. Her comments quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism on social media.
Despite the backlash, Nora stood firm on her beliefs, clarifying in an Instagram response that she was referring to “radicalized and toxic feminism.”
Nora Fatehi’s Net Worth
Nora Fatehi has established herself as a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, boasting an impressive net worth of approximately ₹38 crore (around $5 million). Her financial success is attributed to various income streams, reflecting her versatility and business acumen.
Nora’s estimated monthly earnings stand at around ₹25 lakh. She has accumulated her wealth through:
- Acting: Nora commands a fee of ₹1 crore per film.
- Music Performances: For her appearances in songs, she charges about ₹50 lakh.
- Brand Endorsements: Her influence on social media allows her to generate approximately ₹25 lakh monthly from advertisements and collaborations.
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Nora has also ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her own makeup brand, further diversifying her income.
Nora Fatehi has made strategic investments in real estate, enhancing her asset portfolio. She owns a luxurious home in India and possesses several properties in other countries, contributing to her financial stability and independence.
Nora’s lifestyle reflects her success, though her collection of automobiles is considered modest for a celebrity of her stature. She owns a few luxury vehicles, including BMW and Volkswagen models. Additionally, she has a high-end purse valued at ₹3.3 lakh, showcasing her taste for quality and elegance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nora is also recognized for her charitable contributions, actively supporting various causes and giving back to the community. Her commitment to philanthropy further enhances her public image and reflects her values.
Nora Fatehi’s financial success is a result of her hard work, strategic investments, and diverse income streams, solidifying her status as a successful actress and entrepreneur.
4 Interesting Facts about Nora Fatehi
- As a Polyglot Nora. Nora speaks English, Hindi, Arabic, and French with ease.
- She studied belly dance by watching YouTube videos. Nora depended on YouTube for her dance instruction because she never received professional training.
- Actually, Fathi is her last name. To make her name simpler to say for an Indian audience, it was altered to Fatehi.
- After her parents got divorced and her father moved out, she started studying political science and international studies but had to stop to take care of her brother.
- She once produced hookah for hookah bars. Nora took over as her brother’s primary carer after her parents got divorced. She spent the first few years after high school graduation working as many jobs as she could, including telemarketing, customer service, waitressing, bartending, and, at one time, even producing hookah for hookah cafés.
- She was defrauded by Rs. 20 lakh. The shift was difficult for Nora when she first went to India after accepting a modelling contract.
A little wonder, really. In addition to having her passport taken by one of the females, she was flat-sharing with the modelling agency, which conned her out of the Rs 20 lakh she had made from ad shoots.
This forced her to make a fast (but temporary) retreat back to Canada.
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Nora Fatehi Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Nora Fatehi |
| Real Name | Naura Fathi |
| Profession | Actress |
| Celebrity Type | Movie Star |
| Age | 32 (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth | 6 February 1992 |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Canada |
| Origin Country | Morocco |
| Height | 5’6” (168 cm / 1.68m) |
| Weight | 53 kgs (approx.) |
| Notable Work | Street Dancer 3D, Batla House, Stree |
| Total Movies | 20+ |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| @norafatehi | |
| @norafatehi |
Conclusion on Nora Fatehi Biography
Nora Fatehi’s remarkable journey reflects her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. With her impressive body of work and influence in the industry, she continues to inspire fans and aspiring dancers around the world.
As she explores new avenues in her career, Nora remains a significant figure in the realms of dance and acting.
