The Iranian-German Actress Embracing Bollywood with Heart
June 13, 2025 — Elnaaz Norouzi, widely known for her role as Zoya Mirza in Netflix's *Sacred Games*, is not Indian by birth. She hails from Tehran, Iran, and holds German citizenship. Yet, her deep connection with India and Bollywood has led many to wonder about her national identity.
Born in Iran, Raised in Germany
Elnaaz was born on July 9, 1992 (or 1996, depending on sources) in Tehran. As a child, she moved with her family to Hanover, Germany, where she grew up and launched her modeling career at age 14.
German Citizenship, Bollywood Heart
Though Iranian by birth, Elnaaz is legally German. After completing school in Germany—where she learned Persian, German, English, and later Hindi and Urdu—she moved to India in 2015 to pursue acting in Bollywood.
Feeling at Home in India
Despite not being Indian, she has repeatedly expressed her emotional bond with the country. She told *The Hindu* in 2018, “I feel very close to India... it’s just like home for me,” and in 2023 shared that though “I come from Iran... I feel like I belong here”.
A Cultural Chameleon: Language & Career
Elnaaz speaks several Indian languages fluently, including Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. She has starred in multiple Indian productions: Bollywood films (*Hello Charlie*, *JugJugg Jeeyo*), web series (*Sacred Games*, *Made in Heaven*, *Chutzpah*), and even Telugu cinema (*Devil*). Her ability to adapt cemented her passion for Indian storytelling.
Conclusion
While Elnaaz Norouzi is neither Indian by birth nor citizenship—she is Iranian-born and German by nationality—her career and heartfelt words reveal a profound connection to India. She may legally be German, but in her heart, Bollywood, Mumbai, and its culture feel like home.
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