In the vibrant and transformative years before the Revolution, Tehran’s nightlife was booming, and cabaret culture was at the heart of the city’s entertainment scene. One of the most prominent figures in this bustling world was Mohammad Karim Arbab (1308 – 4 Aban 1351). Known as one of the most influential cabaret owners and a major player in Iran’s entertainment industry, Arbab’s life was filled with power, wealth, intrigue, and controversy.
Karim Arbab owned multiple cabarets, cinemas, restaurants, and more. His connections with famous entertainers, including the iconic singer Googoosh, and his sudden, suspicious death left a lasting mark on Iran’s cultural and entertainment history. His legacy is one shrouded in both glamour and scandal, a testament to the dynamic yet tumultuous world of pre-revolutionary Iran.
Early Life and Entry into Entertainment
Born in 1308 (1929), Mohammad Karim Arbab’s early life remains somewhat of a mystery. Little is known about his formative years, but by the time he entered adulthood, he had found his calling in the world of entertainment. Arbab began to make a name for himself in Tehran’s nightlife industry during the mid-20th century, a time when Iran was experiencing rapid modernization and westernization under the Pahlavi monarchy.
The cabaret scene was flourishing, especially in Tehran. These establishments offered a mix of live music, dancing, and other performances, drawing in both locals and foreigners. Tehran’s elite, including politicians, wealthy businessmen, and even royalty, frequented these venues. It was within this high-society atmosphere that Karim Arbab thrived, eventually becoming one of the biggest names in the industry.
