The scandal surrounding Arbab’s death only added to the intrigue surrounding his life. Many believed that his death was not entirely natural, with some speculating that the intense stress of his business and personal conflicts might have contributed to his early demise. Others pointed to the possibility of darker forces at play, given the high-stakes world of Tehran’s cabaret scene and Arbab’s numerous powerful connections and enemies.
The Legacy of Karim Arbab: Wealth, Power, and Scandal
Despite his tragic end, Mohammad Karim Arbab left behind a substantial legacy. Upon his death, it was reported that he left behind an inheritance of 100 million tomans, a staggering sum at the time. This inheritance was passed on to his family, including his ex-wives and their children. Arbab’s wealth was a testament to his success in the entertainment industry, but it also highlighted the excesses and extravagance of pre-revolutionary Tehran.
His cabarets, particularly Bacara, continued to be remembered as symbols of a bygone era. Tehran’s nightlife, once bustling with the sounds of live performances, dancing, and entertainment, would never be the same after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which brought an end to cabaret culture and fundamentally changed the country’s social and cultural fabric.