Nora Fatehi Reveals Why She Agreed to Bigg Boss 9: ‘I Got Jhalak in Exchange’

Nora Fatehi has revealed that financial problems surrounding payments for her early song appearances played a role in her decision to enter Bigg Boss 9. The actress and dancer said she initially rejected the reality show but eventually agreed after negotiating for a chance to participate in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Nora Fatehi has opened up about a lesser-known chapter of her early career, revealing why she eventually agreed to enter Bigg Boss 9 despite initially having little interest in reality television.

The actress and dancer participated in the Salman Khan-hosted season as a wildcard contestant in December 2015. Her stay in the house lasted only a few weeks, but according to Nora, her decision to participate was connected to a difficult period in her professional life and an opportunity she wanted even more.

Speaking on the Untriggered podcast, Nora recalled that she had been struggling to receive payments for several songs she had already worked on.

Nora Fatehi Says She Was Waiting for Payments

Looking back at that phase, Nora said she had worked on multiple songs but had not received the money she was expecting.

“I did a bunch of songs, and they weren’t giving my money,” Nora said during the podcast, explaining that although producers may have paid the agency involved, she was still waiting for her own payment.

She described the situation as frustrating and said she was repeatedly fighting to get the money that she believed was due to her.

It was during this period, she recalled, that she was approached about joining Bigg Boss.

According to Nora, her initial response was a firm no. At the time, she said she did not believe the reality show aligned with her ambitions and felt that the people approaching her did not understand her vision.

Her position changed when the financial terms of the offer were discussed.

Why Nora Agreed to Bigg Boss

Nora said she eventually reconsidered her view of reality television. She realised that a show such as Bigg Boss could provide substantial visibility and potentially introduce her to a much wider Indian audience.

“It is not a bad thing; it is a platform, and it immediately makes you a household name if you are smart,” she explained.

There was another factor that made the offer more appealing: Nora knew that, as a wildcard contestant, she might not remain in the house for an extended period.

She therefore began thinking about how she could use the opportunity to further her career rather than treating Bigg Boss as an end in itself.

Nora Wanted Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Instead

Nora revealed that her real target at the time was Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the celebrity dance reality show that aired on the same network.

She therefore made a proposal: she would participate in Bigg Boss if she could also secure an opportunity to appear on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

“I really wanted to do Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and it was the same channel. So I told them to give me Jhalak, and in return, I would do Bigg Boss. I got Jhalak in exchange,” Nora recalled.

The revelation offers a different perspective on her Bigg Boss appearance. Rather than simply accepting a reality-TV opportunity, Nora said she negotiated it around the kind of performance platform she wanted.

Nora Fatehi’s Bigg Boss 9 Connection With Prince Narula

During her brief stay on Bigg Boss 9, Nora also developed a close bond with fellow contestant Prince Narula.

The two were frequently shown interacting and flirting during the season. Prince also expressed his affection for Nora and at one point offered her flowers and a ring.

Prince ultimately went on to win Bigg Boss 9.

For Nora, however, the show’s longer-term significance appears to have been its role in increasing her visibility and giving her another route into mainstream entertainment.

From Reality Television to Global Performances

Nora Fatehi’s career has since expanded considerably beyond the reality-television space.

The dancer and performer has built a reputation through music videos, film appearances and live performances, while also pursuing opportunities outside India.

According to the supplied report, Nora performed at an event connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2026 and was featured on Siir Siir, described as an official FIFA 2026 song alongside Sanjoy and Vegedream.

She has also continued developing her music career. In August, Nora announced “Slay to the Rhythm,” a track from her upcoming EP Play, describing the project as a personal one. She had previously released “Sajan Re” with Badshah.

Nora is also reportedly set to feature in a special dance number in Jailer 2, starring Rajinikanth, although the casting and song details should be confirmed through official sources.

Nora Fatehi’s Bigg Boss Decision Came at a Turning Point

Nora’s latest comments shed light on a period when she was still establishing herself in the Indian entertainment industry.

What initially looked like an unlikely reality-TV appearance eventually became part of a much larger career journey. Her account also shows how she viewed Bigg Boss not only as television exposure but as a potential stepping stone toward other opportunities.

More than a decade after her Bigg Boss 9 stint, Nora has become an established performer across music, dance and entertainment. Her recollection of that early decision offers a glimpse into the practical career calculations that accompanied her rise.