EXCLUSIVE: What I give people is usually memories because I feel those are the most special stuff that one can gift, says Elnaaz Norouzi

Elnaaz Norouzi has everything it takes to be on top of the success ladder. Blessed with the looks that complements her acting talent and vice versa, Elnaaz Norouzi is definitely one name to watch out for in the days and months to come. If her acting skills in ‘Sacred Games’, ‘Hello Charlie’ and the more recent ‘Rashtra Kavach Om’ is anything to go by, then, it won’t be a surprise to see this actress soon becoming one of the go-to names on the list of producers and directors.

On the occasion of her birthday (which is today), OTTplay caught up with the stunning actress for an exclusive interview.

Hi Elnaaz Norouzi! Since it's your birthday, it goes without saying that you will be spending your birthday with your special people. Do you mind telling us who these special people are with whom you will be spending your birthday?
This year, I'm only spending it with my special people because usually I have big parties for my birthdays or am travelling around this day. And, it's the first time in my entire life, where I'm not throwing a big party and I am with 5 or 6 friends of mine. We will be going out for dinner. These are my people who are here in Mumbai, my close people and the ones who I love very much. And yeah, that's about it.

If you jog down the memory lane, what is it that you would like to recall about the birthdays that you have had during your childhood?
I don't remember much. What I do I remember is that birthdays have always been special for me as a person. I love to make them extra special for my friends and for the people that I love. And so, I always celebrate it big. I always have a plan for my birthday, to get everyone together and to meet all of my friends again. So, even in my childhood, I would always make a special plan for my birthday and have all of my school friends over.

Do you remember any of the birthday gifts that you had received during your growing up years?
Well… my memory is really bad. But I do remember one very special gift that I had received from one of my best friends while growing up in Germany. She had made this huge book where she had put little things on it on each page for how I feel. If I feel sad one day, then, there were stuck to the page. If I feel like having something sweet one day, then there were some chocolates stuck onto that page and she made it very special. She didn't just buy me something that I want or need. She took her time out and made that book with heartfelt feeling that I could feel throughout that year… and even today. This will surely continue. Guess what! I still have that book. I have preserved it very carefully.

Have you ever gifted anything to anyone on their birthday that is still evergreen in your memory?
What I give people is usually memories because I feel those are the most special stuff that one can gift. Because, at some point, in our ages, you have so much money and you can buy yourself anything, but what is it that you will always remember? What you will always remember is how someone made your birthday special and how they made you feel. I gift my friends something that they really like and need. But more than that, it is just the memories that I make with them and the way I make them feel.

Tell us reasons/ situations which would make you smile?
The reasons and situations that would make me smile is when I think and remember of somebody whom I love. My love language is basically the acts of service and words of affirmation. So, if I see someone doing something for me that I always wanted to get done or even if it's something small, I really appreciate that. I always try to tell everyone around me how amazing they are and how they can do anything they want. Such situations definitely make me smile!

If you had to look back in time and had an option of shifting gears and changing your career, would you be doing that?
Yes. Over the years, I have learned so much. I really wish that, if I knew those things when I was younger, my career would have definitely looked very different. I would have changed my career if I could go back in time. Whatever I know today, I learnt it on my own as I didn't have anyone teaching me. I had to learn them with time and with struggle.

Since its your birthday today, how have you planned for the life ahead after today?
Well… keep grinding, keep working hard, keep going after my dreams and being persistent and consistent. And just go the way I've been going, with much more wisdom and much more experience. (smiles)

How would you describe your ‘birthday state of mind’?

This year is just not like every year. It is very slow. I just want to be with my loved ones. I just want to spend time with my close ones.

Tell us about one thing which no one knows about you?
One thing that no one knows about me would be that, I was programming robots when I was in school. (smiles)