Nora Fatehi Dreams of Dance Film with Hrithik Roshan – Challenges Madhuri Dixit to a Dance-Off!

Time of India

29-04-2025

For
,
International Dance Day
is more than just a celebration — it's a tribute to the journey that shaped her. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a background dancer, but through hard work and passion, she has evolved into a dynamic performer on stage, who is now also dabbling in singing and acting.
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Known for setting the screen on fire with hits like Dilbar, O Saki Saki and Naach Meri Rani, Nora reflects on how dance has been a constant force in her life, shaping her from a young dreamer into the performer she is today.
'International Dance Day is a reminder of how deeply dance connects us'
Given that her career revolves around dance, it's no surprise that Nora feels excited to see the world take a moment to celebrate the art form.
She says, 'For me, dance is an emotion, a language of expression, and honestly, it's my soul on stage. International Dance Day is a reminder of how deeply dance connects us — no matter where we're from, what language we speak or what style we move in.'
'I didn't grow up in an environment where dance was encouraged as a career'
Reflecting on how it all began, Nora shares how she was drawn to this art form since an early age. 'I've always said dance wasn't just something that I liked, it was in me.
As a little girl, I would watch music videos on TV and be mesmerised by how people could express so much without even saying a word. That was the spark. I didn't grow up in an environment where dance was encouraged as a career, but I knew, deep down, that I was born to perform. The energy, the freedom, the storytelling… it just called out to me. I knew this was my path when I saw the crowd's reaction to the first time I performed in front of an audience.
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The connection was magic. I didn't just want to be a part of the world of dance — I wanted to shake it up,' says Nora, who was seen in the music video Snake along with Jason Derulo earlier this year.
Nora Fatehi in Kusu Kusu
'I'm still learning and never want to stop'
While Nora is loved for her high-energy performances in hits like Kusu Kusu and Kamariya, she admits that classical Indian dance forms challenge her like no other. 'The precision, the grace, the deep cultural history — it demands so much discipline and respect.
I'm still learning and never want to stop. Other dance forms like urban fusion, Afro styles, belly dance and hip hop are like speaking a native language — fluid, instinctive, raw,' explains Nora.
'Entering this huge, vibrant world of Bollywood was a dream'
Nora made Mumbai her home a decade ago and she's worked across film industries in India. Recalling the moment she truly felt embraced, she says, 'Coming from Toronto and entering this huge, vibrant world of Bollywood was a dream.
I felt the acceptance and love from the Indian audience after Dilbar (Satyameva Jayate). People embraced not just the
song, but me — my style, energy and persona. I feel incredibly grateful and proud of how far I've come."
Nora's dream dance collabs
If you could team up with a Bollywood actor for a
dance film
, who would it be?
It would have to be
— his energy, precision and effortless style would be a dream to match on screen.
If you had the chance to have a dance-off with a Bollywood actress, who would you choose?
ma'am, as she brings such grace and intensity to her performances. It would be an electrifying clash of styles — her elegance and my fire would be an incredible experience. I think the audience would love it.