In a candid discussion at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, actress and dancer Nora Fatehi opened up about her challenging early days in the Indian entertainment industry. Fatehi, who rose to fame with her striking performances, notably in the hit song “Dilbar” from the 2018 film Satyameva Jayate, revealed that she had not received any payment for her work in the music video, which has amassed over a billion views on YouTube.
Nora Fatehi recounted that she was on the verge of leaving India when she was offered both “Dilbar” and the song “Kamariya” from the film Stree. “I told myself that this was not the time to get paid, but to prove myself, even though I was in desperate need of money,” she said. She emphasized her commitment to her craft, stating, “It was more important to make a name for myself and work with credible people at that time.”
The dancer explained that she filmed “Kamariya” first and then moved on to “Dilbar” just two weeks later. Her approach to these projects was to elevate the standard of dance in item songs. “I wanted to create a dance-oriented experience where families could comfortably watch the performances,” she said. Unlike many artists who might opt for a more provocative style, Fatehi insisted on a choreography-heavy approach. “I had that requirement that it has to be heavy on choreography,” she explained.
Fatehi also shared an amusing yet significant moment regarding her costume for “Dilbar.” She was initially provided with a blouse that was too revealing. “I had to put my foot down and say, ‘Guys, I cannot wear this. Don’t oversexualise me,’” she recalled, emphasising her desire to maintain comfort while still embracing the song’s sensuality.
Reflecting on her struggles during this period, Nora revealed that she faced financial hardships that affected her health. “I went through a phase where I was so skinny and borderline anorexic because I didn’t have money to eat much,” she admitted. She described her experience with a modelling agency that exploited her and left her without the funds to pay rent.
Despite these challenges, Fatehi’s determination and artistic vision allowed her to carve a unique niche in the industry. Her story resonates as a testament to resilience and the pursuit of one’s passion amidst adversity.
