Ourselves Podcast Nora Fatehi Turned Rejection Into 47 Million Followers and Global Stardom
From Toronto to Bollywood to the World Cup stage, Nora Fatehi’s journey is anything but traditional. In this episode, we break down how a Moroccan-Canadian girl with no industry connections “backdoored” her way into one of the world’s most competitive film industries: learning Hindi from scratch, reinventing herself in Mumbai, and using dance as her superpower to win over an entire culture.
Nora opens up about being undermined early on, navigating gatekeepers, reality shows, and “just a dancer” labels, while strategically investing her own money to open new markets and build a global brand. She shares the story behind her Warner Music debut “What Do I Know (Just A Girl)” featuring Shenseea, trusting a new creative team for her first US music video, and learning to let go of perfectionism.
Beyond the virality, this is a conversation about legacy: recovering from a brutal ankle injury, fighting PR narratives, building the #DanceWithNora community to uplift dancers, and wanting to be remembered for shattering stereotypes and finishing the dreams her ancestors never got to fulfill. If you’re an artist, immigrant kid, underdog, or anyone betting on yourself, this one’s for you.
00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Challenges
04:28 Nora's Nervousness and Trust Issues in Arrad (Haha)
06:13 Challenges in Music Video Production
09:20 Favorite part of What Do I Know vid feat Shenseea
12:59 Shooting in Extreme Conditions
15:49 Ankle Injury and Mental Resilience
20:35 Influences and Inspirations
21:51 Cultural Exposure and Bollywood Influence
28:50 Breaking into Bollywood
39:53 The Turning Point: Dilbar Song
42:44 Playback Singing in Bollywood
45:44 Respecting Dancers
46:55 Breaking Stereotypes
47:41 Journey of Self-Taught Dance
55:32 Connecting with Fans
57:48 Investing in Self
01:05:51 Financial Struggles and Breakthrough
01:08:45 Creating New Markets
01:20:45 Collaborating with Western Artists
01:26:52 Marketability and Memorable Image
01:33:08 Challenges of Learning New Languages
01:34:07 Transitioning to Lead Roles
01:35:46 Success in Netflix's 'The Royals'
01:40:32 Navigating Cultural Expectations
01:46:20 Parental Acceptance and Validation
01:49:57 AI and the Future of Work
01:54:59 Concerns About AI's Impact on Society
02:07:18 The Importance of Following Your Calling
02:10:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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