Photos of Gholamreza Takhti at the Melbourne Olympics


Takhti was known for his anti-regime views. He was a pro-Mossadegh activist and member of Second National Front and his death sparked a number of anti-Shah demonstrations.

In 1962, an earthquake occurred in Bou’in-Zahra in western Iran, killing over 12,000. Takhti was deeply touched by the suffering. Already one of Iran’s biggest stars, he began to walk one of the main avenues of Tehran, helping out the victims and asking for assistance. He inspired others to follow in his footsteps, and thousands gave in to alleviate the suffering.