Iranian actor Elnaaz Norouzi has once again spoken out against the regime in her home country, clarifying that her criticism is directed at the government and not the people of Iran. In a recent interview, the Sacred Games actor said she cannot return to Iran as long as the current establishment remains in power.
Elnaaz Norouzi says she cannot return to Iran
Speaking to Bombay Times, Elnaaz explained her position, drawing a distinction between the Islamic Republic and Iranian citizens. She said the majority of Iranians are educated and progressive, and their beliefs do not align with those of the ruling establishment led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Highlighting Iran’s historical ties with other nations, she referenced ancient Persian ruler Cyrus the Great and pointed out that Iran once shared strong diplomatic relations with both Israel and the United States during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. According to her, it is the current regime — not the Iranian public — that drives hostile rhetoric.
Elnaaz also spoke about the 2022 protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, whose passing in police custody sparked widespread demonstrations. She said she had publicly criticised the regime at the time, which raised serious concerns for her family about her safety.
“I can’t set foot in Iran. If I do, I think they will kill me,” she said, adding that she holds the leadership responsible for violence against protesters and describing the system as a dictatorship.
Who is Elnaaz Norouzi?
Born in Iran in the early 1990s, Elnaaz moved to Germany with her family at the age of eight. She began her career as a model in Europe before relocating to India in her twenties. She made her acting debut in a Pakistani film in 2017 and rose to prominence with Sacred Games (2018–19).
Since then, she has appeared in projects such as Abhay, Made in Heaven, and films like Jugjugg Jeeyo. In 2023, she made her Hollywood debut with Kandahar. She is currently seen as a co-host on Wheel of Fortune alongside Akshay Kumar.
