"I will soon be part of the industry as an" actress "

Nora Fatehi is a Moroccan-Canadian actress now known in Bollywood as a dance sensation. The 26-year-old actor has made several songs in recent years. More recently, she starred in the John Abraham- starrer Satyamev Jayate, in a song called "Dilbar", which has received millions of hits online. In a conversation with Guardian 20, Fatehi talks about his passion for dance and his upcoming projects.

Q. You are known as an expert belly dancer. How were you introduced to this form of dance?

A. It has fascinated me since I was young. Arab dance is part of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cultures. Although everyone knows the basic steps, few are aware of the advanced level of belly dancing. So, I always have the habit of practicing the basic steps. I would see family elders performing it at family ceremonies and weddings. I realized at the age of 10 that I had talent beyond the basics. I had the habit of playing on stage at school in Canada, and it was something different for everyone. As I got older, I wanted to learn more, but I did not have the opportunity. So, instead, I watched videos of famous artists from around the world and learned their movements at home in front of a mirror. I would train every day until I perfect the movements. I always do it because it is an endless learning process.

Q. How do you think Bollywood helps to popularize different forms of dance?

A. I think Bollywood is open to experimenting and trying out new dance styles. There are so many other styles that have not yet been introduced to Bollywood and I hope to have the opportunity to do them. In my opinion, Bollywood certainly has a major role to play in this regard, as it is a huge platform and one of the largest industries, overseen by billions of people around the world.

Q. What other forms of dance are you interested in?

A. I've been in Afro funk and dancehall since I was in high school. It's a style that I find really fun to do.

Q. How was your experience of recreating the song "Dilbar", filling the shoes of Sushmita Sen? Did you expect such a huge response?

A. It was a wonderful experience that changed life. It was an honor to be part of such an iconic project and I am so humble by the phenomenal reactions to the song. I am always in disbelief that the song has broken records on YouTube and made news internationally. Even the famous Arab singer, Saad Lamjarred, with whom I will be working soon, posted the song on his Instagram story celebrating the success of "Dilbar". I am therefore very happy with the results.

Q. You were also part of the thriller My Birthday Song . Are you planning to become more involved with the Bollywood mainstream?

A. Yes, I plan it and hope that I will soon be part of this industry as an actress. I just want to be part of big projects. It does not matter that it 's about a movie, a web series or an international project. As long as I enjoy myself and work with incredible people, I am happy.

Q. You come from a non-Hindi background. Was it difficult for you to work in Hindi movies?

A. It can be difficult, but as long as you are focused and determined, anything is possible.

Q. You are running a reality show titled Dating in the Dark . Do you find it difficult to organize reality shows?

A. It's not easy to organize a show on television because it takes long hours of filming and a lot of talk. Especially with Dating In the Dark there are almost no data lines. So I have to do a lot of impromptu discussions and discussions with the candidates. I have to maintain a high energy and a fun factor permanently. But I must say that I really appreciate it.

Q. Tell us about your next collaboration with Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred.

A. Our collaboration is going to be epic. I've already heard the song and it's a sure hit. We are shooting in India and we are making sure we add Bollywood elements to the clip, which will be fun. I like to mix different cultures when it is art. It's a great opportunity to bring people from different cultures together.

Q. What else do you come with this year?

A. There are a lot of things in the pipeline that I have not announced yet and I really can not talk about it now. However, they will be announced soon and I am really excited about them.