In an interview, Iranian-born actress Elnaaz Norouzi shared her harrowing experience of being detained by Iran’s morality police. Norouzi, who gained fame in India through projects like Sacred Games, recalled how her German citizenship provided a sense of security during the encounter, knowing she was scheduled to fly out the next day.
However, she emphasized that the reality for millions of women living permanently in Iran is far more terrifying, noting that the constant fear of being detained—or worse—is a heartbreaking daily burden.
Despite the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns from her family, Norouzi views speaking out as a moral responsibility rather than a choice. Referencing the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, she highlighted that her platform as a public figure in India allows her to educate a global audience on the systemic oppression faced by women in her birthplace. For Norouzi, using her voice to shed light on these human rights issues is a personal “purpose” she refuses to abandon.