5 minute read
Wild Encounter: Elnaaz Norouzi
Elnaaz Norouzi is an Iranian-German actor better known as the gorgeous Zoya from the Netflix blockbuster Sacred Games talks to Sumita Chakrbaorty about films, the casting couch, love ‘n’ lovers and being cheated on…
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You became an actor because…?
…It was my childhood dream to become an actor.
The film you absolutely loved working on…
My current one - which I can’t talk about yet since it isn’t announced and unfortunately, because of corona we won’t be releasing it yet... But it was so much fun. But otherwise, I had a blast working in Sacred Games!
The character you thought suited you to the ‘T’:
Zoya and Jameela!
The most wonderful thing about being an actor is….
You sometimes get to pretend to be a badass for a living - specially in action scenes. And also you grow a thick skin from constantly dealing with rejection!
What is the worst possible thing about being an actor…
You have to actually study and do a lot of homework... which lots of people don’t understand when you have to cancel a few gatherings or can’t attend a party because you have a 4 a.m. call time!
What are the three most essential things you carry along with you all the time?
Tooth brush, deodorant and mouth freshener.
What in a man/ woman turns you on?
I find it super sexy when a man is confident and calm. Those men don’t have to do much to get my attention.
What in a man/woman turns you off?
When they overdo it, to get my attention, talk too much or brag about their wealth and status.
What’s the mantra to impress the opposite sex according to you?
Just be yourself! I can’t stress it enough... being yourself and authentic is the best thing one can do... One can always tell when someone is putting up a show or isn’t themselves.
Have you ever been hit on by the same sex?
That’s so weird. I have never been hit on by a woman!
When was the last time a guy or a girl chased you? Or you chased someone?
In 2019, I was chased a bit *smile* but when I like someone I don’t need to be chased...
Which is the most awful one-liner you have come across or used till date?
“Hey girl, are you German? …Cause I wanna be Ger-man ! “ …And yeah I’m kinda German
A situation you felt awkward in?
I once went for a meeting with my agent and the producer was so not talkative. The meeting took three minutes and we spoke about the weirdest things because he wouldn’t talk much... so awkward!
Have you ever drunk dialled anyone? I think I have... but it’s been super long!
Bollywood’s dreaded casting couch has reared its ugly face many-a-times. Have you faced it?
Well, unfortunately, I’ve faced the casting couch quite a bit too. It was a horrible situation and feeling but I’ve always auditioned and got my roles and I will always continue doing it this way... there shouldn’t be any other way to get a project.
As an actor, your three most valuable strengths and three biggest weaknesses?
1. I get to access and play around with emotions. 2. I’m always optimistic 3. And I’m super persistent My weaknesses are that that I’m still a little impatient and impulsive and I fear inactivity!
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As a person, your three most valuable strengths and three biggest weaknesses?
1. Decisive: I enjoy challenges, I’m super fun and loving. 2. I’m quickly bored by routine, too critical on others, too blunt.
If marooned on an island, which actor would you want to be with? And why?
I would want to be with Leonardo di Caprio. First, he is insanely good-looking, second, I’m sure he’d know how to survive and third, I want to marry him.
In a relationship would you be a daunting or a chilled out partner?
I’m a pretty calm and easy person to deal with. But I also believe that it always depends on your partner as well. Some people always like to poke - but then again that wouldn’t be an ideal partner for me. I like harmony.
Have you ever been cheated on?
Yes I have... pretty early in my life. I was around 18/19 when I got to know that my boyfriend who I was dating since I was 16 was sleeping with a friend of mine since years. Well, it was scaring and it is hard for me to trust men again... but I also know that not everyone is the same!
When you love someone…
When I really love someone, I want to spend my day and night with that person. I like to do things for that person since my main love language is acts of service and then quality time... I feel like spoiling the person rotten.
What is the first thing you notice in the opposite sex?
Hands. A mans hands are the first thing I notice.
What’s your take on open relations?
It’s great to see that many people can do it and are okay with it but I wouldn’t be able to be in an open relationship. Then why be in a relationship at all?
Which is the strangest place you’ve made out in?
A forest, and the weather was freezing!
What would you want to be known as?
The girl who never gave up no matter what obstacle came her way. The girl who fulfilled every single dream of hers.
What’s your perfect date like?
A calm date, a dinner where one can have a nice conversation and get to know each oth- er, great food, lots of laughter and comfort.
If you had to describe yourself, what would it be…
I’m a very helpful person and I love to see the people around me be successful. I’m not envious but I would also go to every extend to achieve my goals. I’m goofy and mad and I love hard.
