Actor Elnaaz Norouzi, best known for her breakout role in the Netflix series Sacred Games, has reacted strongly to reports that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has been named Iran’s new Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei.
In an interview with NDTV, Elnaaz expressed concern over the political transition, stating that Iran’s leadership has historically not reflected the will of its people.
“Just like the past 47 years, people who are coming to power that Iranian people have not chosen,” she said. “We want to choose our leader. We would like to vote.”
According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts as successor, a move that has sparked global attention.
Communication Blackout Amid Escalation
Elnaaz also revealed that she has been unable to contact her family in Iran due to a communication blackout.
She referred to the recent military escalation involving the United States and Israel, saying civilians were advised to stay indoors. She also mentioned statements from Donald Trump and Reza Pahlavi urging people to remain inside for safety.
“At the moment, I don’t have any communication with my family or friends in Iran,” she said, describing the ongoing unrest as part of a long-standing pattern of instability.
“We Have No Say”
Reflecting on the broader political history of the country, Elnaaz referenced the 2009 protests, when millions reportedly took to the streets demanding electoral transparency.
“People realized this is not the person we voted for,” she said. “This has been going on for 47 years… We have no comments on that. We have no say.”
Her remarks underline a longstanding demand among sections of the Iranian diaspora for greater democratic participation.
Leaving Iran: “I Was Born Into This”
Elnaaz shared that conversations about leaving Iran were part of her upbringing. Though she began working in India in 2018, she said the decision to leave was rooted in conditions that date back decades.
“I was born into this whole mess,” she said, referencing the aftermath of the 1979 revolution.
She highlighted the scale of the Iranian diaspora, noting that millions now live across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
“You can’t make 90 million people leave their country. So what you have to do is get the country back,” she said.
A Message to Iranians
Elnaaz urged people in Iran to prioritise safety amid unrest.
“Stay strong. Stay in your homes. Hope for better days,” she said, adding that global attention often intensifies only during wartime.
Career Highlights
Beyond her political commentary, Elnaaz continues to maintain a strong presence in Indian and international cinema. Apart from Sacred Games, she has appeared in films such as:
- Kandahar
- Devil: The British Secret Agent
- Tehran
- Mastiii 4
She has also featured in web projects including Made in Heaven, The Traitors, and Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond.
As tensions in the region continue, Elnaaz’s comments reflect the perspective of many in the Iranian diaspora who remain emotionally and politically connected to developments back home.
