While many may claim “pretty privilege” is real, being attractive also comes with serious drawbacks, feels Iran-born actor Elnaaz Norouzi. At the beginning of her career, the actor had a tough time convincing people in the entertainment industry that beautiful women can be smart, too.

“I wasn’t taken seriously for a long time. There is a perception that pretty women are not intelligent. By being assertive, I had to make people understand that there is a lot more to me than my face. Now, when I sit in a room with five men, I can lead the conversation. They realize they are talking to a woman who knows what she wants,” says Norouzi, known for her roles in web shows Sacred Games and Made in Heaven.

Norouzi moved to India about eight years ago, as she was “attracted to Bollywood clichés.” “All the colours, the romance, the singing and dancing blew my mind. Bollywood was a dream that came true,” says the 31-year-old.

Coming from a country where women are deprived of personal liberty, Norouzi deeply values the freedom that India has given her. The actor is also very proud of Iranian women back home protesting for their rights.

“It’s not easy to revolt against a regime that can easily kill you, rape you or blind you. It requires a lot of courage to stand in front of them,” she says, adding, “In India, I am free to live the way I want to. Personal liberty is crucial for existence and I cherish this freedom.”

Norouzi is also enchanted by fairytale-esque Indian weddings. “Indian weddings are so colourful, so royal. The fact that it is not a one-day celebration, but goes on for some five days, makes it so unique,” says Norouzi, who wants to get married wearing a “traditional lehenga”. We bet she’ll make the most stunning bride wearing one.