Nargis Fakhri Says She Started 'Questioning' Her Identity Years Before Rockstar Released | Exclusive

Nargis Fakhri might be taking lesser roles as compared to her peers but she is ensuring to put her all in the projects she’s taking up. Last year, Nargis was seen in Shiv Shastri Balboa alongside Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, and Jugal Hansraj, and this year, she has the Telugu film Hari Hara Veera Mallu starring Pawan Kalyan in the making. Nargis took some time from her schedule to sit down for a chat with CNN News 18 and discuss her 13-year journey in the film industry.

The actress confessed she did not pursue but acting found its way to her through Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar. “I didn’t pursue acting; acting found me. It was a gift from the universe. Coming into Bollywood and India directly into acting was a new experience. Everything was exciting – the culture, the music, the food, the people,” Nargis said, adding that Ranbir Kapoor’s headline Rockstar was a significant turning point in her life.

When asked about the major difference she observed while working as an International actress, Nargis said, “In Bollywood, I’ve noticed a more relaxed and easygoing atmosphere compared to Hollywood’s strict punctuality”.

“In Bollywood, the hard part is not knowing anybody. It takes time to fit into the industry. It’s like shifting to a new school where everyone is busy working. Understanding the new job, industry, people, and culture – everything was new for me,” Nargis explained while shedding light on the challenges she faced in her initial encounter in the Bollywood industry.

Born to a Pakistani father and a Czech mother, Nargis Fakhri opened up about her unique perspective on cultural identity. She said, “While I’m very American, with my mom being Czech, there are some European influences. I started questioning my identity a few years before ‘Rockstar’ happened. The universe answered my desire to know more about my lineage through the film, which interestingly was shot in Kashmir and then the Czech Republic as well, the two places of my family’s heritage”.

Apart from her film career in the entertainment industry, Nargis is recognized as a philanthropist with a passion for women’s empowerment and education. When asked about one particular issue she would like to highlight, the actress said, “I am very passionate about women’s education and financial stability. My mom instilled that in me, and it has helped me in my life. I wish the same for all women – the opportunity to work and earn their living”.