Absolutely. Without a doubt, playing the role of Mirza was the greatest stroke of luck and fortune in my artistic career. Few actors get the chance to portray a national and historical figure whose legacy is so deeply rooted in the collective memory of a nation. Mirza’s character had layers of complexity, and his living pulse resonated with audiences. Although I have participated in other works that I deeply enjoyed, Kouchak Jangali remains unparalleled. It was a transformative experience for me.
What made this role so unique for you?
I have always admired Mirza as a national symbol of the northern region of Iran, which is also my birthplace. There was also a personal connection — my family had a direct relationship with him.
Can you explain the nature of this relationship?
My grandfather’s great-aunt was related to Mirza. Since childhood, I visited Mirza’s grave two or three times a year with my grandfather, who was my oldest and closest childhood companion. Mirza’s head was originally brought from Tehran to Rasht and buried in the Suleiman Darab cemetery, where his headless body was later interred.
That cemetery, nestled in the heart of a forest on the outskirts of Rasht, also holds the tombs of my ancestors. My grandfather often told me how his father would visit the site on Friday nights with a lantern and a Quran, sitting by Mirza’s tomb to read the Quran and confront his own fears of death. The place, filled with mysteries and childhood memories, shaped my admiration for Mirza. We also had photographs of him in our family albums. My grandmother’s father was Mirza’s personal cook and accompanied him whenever he visited Rasht. These connections, coupled with the passionate epic stories about Mirza, left a lasting impression on me.