Bollywood Roundup: Elnaaz Norouzi, Preity Zinta, Kriti Sanon, and more….
Iran-Born Actress Elnaaz Norouzi Opens Up About Growing Up Under Oppression
Mumbai– Actress Elnaaz Norouzi has opened up about her childhood in Iran, recalling strict school rules and political indoctrination as she reflected on the country’s current turmoil.
Speaking to IANS, the actress said her early life in Iran exposed her to government control from a young age. She revealed that students were made to chant political slogans before classes even began.
“I have gone to schools where they first make you chant death to America, then only do they start the class,” Norouzi said, recalling what she described as an atmosphere of oppression during her upbringing.
Norouzi said her life changed after moving to Germany and later building a career in India, which she described as a country that gave her freedom and opportunity. “I am very grateful every single day to live in India, a democratic country that allowed me to be one of its own,” she said.
The actress added that she cannot currently return to Iran because she has publicly criticized the government. “I am so privileged to be able to talk about this freely, sitting in India. I cannot do this in Iran,” she said, also claiming that many political prisoners remain jailed for speaking against authorities.
Despite the situation, Norouzi said she hopes to visit her family in Iran someday when circumstances improve, though she made it clear that India now feels like home.
Preity Zinta Relieved to Be Back in India as Middle East Tensions Rise
Mumbai — Actress Preity Zinta says she is grateful to be safely back in India after a stressful international trip, as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
The ‘Veer Zaara’ star took to Instagram to share her relief at returning home to Mumbai in time to celebrate Holi with her family.
“So grateful to be back home in Mumbai after a very stressful trip from across the world. Even more grateful to be safe & to be able to celebrate Holi,” she wrote.
Preity also expressed concern for people caught in the conflict and separated from their loved ones. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks for people around the world and my heart and prayers are for all those people that are suffering and away from their families and in need of security, food, love and warmth. I pray to God to look after all of you,” she added.
The actress wished everyone celebrating the festival well, writing, “Happy Holi to all my fellow Indians and to everyone else celebrating Holi. Loads of love and light to you all.”
Preity also shared glimpses of her Holi celebrations with family and friends on social media, staying connected with fans despite being away from films in recent years.
Kriti Sanon Joins Sister Nupur and Stebin Ben for Their First Holi as a Married Couple
Mumbai — Actress Kriti Sanon brought the festive spirit as she joined sister Nupur Sanon and singer Stebin Ben for their first Holi celebration after marriage.
In a video shared on social media by the newlyweds, the Sanon family is seen celebrating Holi at home with colors, music, and traditional sweets.
The clip opens with Nupur, dressed in a white floral outfit, sharing a romantic moment with Stebin before Kriti jumps in, playfully smearing colors on the couple. The trio are later seen dancing and enjoying the festive atmosphere together.
“Our first Holi as Mr. & Mrs. with fam. Wishing you a day full of colours, gujiyaas and happiness and love around with family. Bas aur kya chahiye life mein! #HappyHoli,” the couple wrote alongside the post.
The video also captures fun family moments, with the Sanon sisters dancing, their parents joining the celebrations, and the family enjoying Holi treats like gujiyas. Nupur even brings the family’s pet dog into the frame, making the celebration complete.
Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben tied the knot on January 11 after dating for five years. The couple shared pictures from their traditional Hindu wedding a day later, captioning them, “Tu Mere Kal Da. Sukoon, Te Aaj Da Sukoon!” which translates to “You are my peace of yesterday and today.”
Ananya Panday Celebrates Holi with Her Dogs and Family
Mumbai — Actress Ananya Panday marked Holi with a cozy celebration at home, surrounded by her family and her beloved dogs.
The Bollywood star shared a carousel of photos on social media showing her festive moments with her pets and parents. In one picture, Ananya is seen sitting on the floor cuddling her two dogs while making a kissy face, with streaks of gulal visible on her cheeks and forehead.
Another photo shows her posing for a colorful selfie with parents Bhavana Pandey and Chunky Pandey, all smiling with gulal smeared across their faces. In a close-up selfie, Ananya also showed off her festive look with a small tilak on her forehead.
“Bura Naa Naano Holi Hai,” she captioned the post in Hindi.
Known for her love of animals, Ananya recently introduced fans to two new puppies, Honey and Thumper. “Say hello to my little boys Honey and Thumper,” she wrote earlier while sharing a photo of the pair.
The actress is already a pet mom to another dog named Riot, whose first birthday she celebrated last year with a special social media post. (Source: IANS)
