Nora Fatehi says music labels and producers profited from songs she did ‘for free’, wonders what the point of being ‘the Dilbar girl’ is if she doesn’t make money for it

Nora opened up about how important it was for her to understand the business aspects of cinema, and to find a way to make money from her creative pursuits

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | March 8, 2025 03:37 PM IST

3 min read

Nora Fatehi on importance of receiving royalties

Nora Fatehi on laeving behind a legacy, and amassing generational wealth. Courtesy: Nora, Insta

Song and dance routines have been part of Indian cinema since forever, and in all probability, will continue to be so. Over the years, we have seen many actors who were relegated to doing just these songs, without being offered meaningful roles. This trend continues till today, but Canadian dancer-actor Nora Fatehi is one of the few who successfully balances her dancing career in cinema with her acting career. However, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, Nora opened up about how important it was for her to understand the business aspects of cinema, and to find a way to make money from her creative pursuits.

“When I started featuring in the songs that were breaking the internet, helping the film’s success and influencing the box-office numbers, I understood that many earn from these except me. There are the YouTube revenues, streaming rights, and even the films earning from the hype of these successful songs, and I was doing them for free,” said Nora, who revealed that there were no long-term revenues from being part of these numbers. “Whatever I earn, it is from the shows or events that I am part of. But otherwise, there are no IPs, no publishing royalties, etc… But I understand that it is what it is.”

Understanding that it was too big a fight at this moment in time, Nora decided to take a different path. “Instead of fighting the system, I found a way out for me where I can still do those dance numbers, and not worry about the revenue. See, I am grateful for the opportunities, but as an artiste I also have to think about sustainability and security,” said Nora, who has since embarked on making her own content in music and dance. “The publishing rights, royalties are very important for creating a legacy, and safeguarding my future.”

Talking about being someone her future kids can look up to, Nora said, “What is the point of being the Dilbar girl for my kids if I don’t have revenue to show from the tag. Generational wealth is important, and that is something I want to focus on.”

ALSO READ: Nora Fatehi was asked if she wanted to be ‘the next Katrina Kaif’, was put in ‘scary situations’ while looking for opportunities

Nora, who had a rather interesting 2024 with decent roles in films like Crakk, Madgaon Express, and Matka, is set to make her Kannada debut with KD-The Devil, and is reportedly starring in the latest instalment of Raghava Lawrence’s popular Kanchana series. She also plays a pivotal role in Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming film, Be Happy.

From the homepage