Transition to Theater and Film
In 1948, Zhaleh Alov made her cinematic debut in The Storm of Life, directed by Ali Daryabighi. This was followed by roles in The Prisoner of Amir and Spring Variety. In 1949, she stepped onto the theater stage, performing in Henrik Stepanian’s play Marie Madeleine at the Ferdowsi Theater. This performance launched an extensive career in theater, where she excelled in various roles over the next decade. Her final theater performance was in 1959, in a play titled Topaz, directed by Nosratollah Mohtasham.
At the suggestion of producer Ismail Koshan, Aloo accepted the lead role in the film The Enchanter. Despite the character’s negative arc, her performance was critically acclaimed. By the late 1950s, she began transitioning to motherly roles, reflecting a shift in the types of characters she portrayed in Iranian cinema.
Pioneering Voice Acting and Dubbing
Jhaleh Aloo’s contributions to Iranian cinema were not limited to acting. In 1952, she began her career in voice acting at Pars Film Studio, dubbing Delksha’s character in Ismail Koshan’s Mother. Over the years, she lent her voice to numerous films, dubbing for renowned international stars and iconic characters. Aloo’s pioneering efforts in dubbing extended to animated films, where she played a pivotal role in bringing Walt Disney classics like Sleeping Beauty and The Aristocats to Persian-speaking audiences.
Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to convey complex emotions through voice alone set new standards for the dubbing industry in Iran. As a trailblazer in this field, she paved the way for future generations of voice actors.