Rise to Fame
Following his debut, Hashempour appeared in several notable films, such as “Janjal Pool” directed by Parviz Khatibi, “Aywallah” by Manouchehr Nozari, “Eshghiha” by Jamshid Shibani, and “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World” directed by Qadratullah Ehsani. However, it was his role as “Zinal Bandari” in the film “Taraj” (1983), directed by Iraj Qadri, that truly catapulted him to fame. His portrayal of the character with a distinctive shaved head became iconic, attracting large audiences to cinemas and establishing him as a major star in Iranian cinema.
Career Challenges and Triumphs
Despite his rising fame, Hashempour faced significant challenges in his career. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he experienced a period of inactivity due to the political and social upheaval that affected the film industry. In 1980, Masoud Kimiaei invited Hashempour to return to the screen in the film “Red Line.” Although the film faced censorship issues and was banned for 37 years, Hashempour’s performance was highly praised.
Hashempour’s career saw a resurgence with his role in the film “Farman” (1983) by Kopal Meshkat, alongside Saeed Rad. His performance in “Eagles” (1984), where he played the lead role of Captain Tekavar Poya, became one of the highest-grossing films in the history of Iranian cinema.
In 1984, Hashempour faced a three-year ban from acting due to his shaved head in the film “Razor and Silk,” which had undergone heavy censorship. Despite these setbacks, he continued to pursue his passion for acting, taking on diverse roles in various genres.