Did Nasser Taqvaei, the director of Kouchak Jangali, know about your familial connection to Mirza?
I don’t think so. Interestingly, I wasn’t initially supposed to play the role of Mirza. When Nasser Taqvaei began planning the project, I was already producing and acting in the TV series The Legend of the Sultan and the Shepherd. At the time, I was offered the role of Ehsanullah Khan. After discussing it with Mr. Taqvaei, I traveled north for a makeup test. The timing seemed ideal, as the filming of Ehsanullah Khan’s scenes would begin later, allowing me to wrap up my work on Sultan and Shaban.
However, due to unforeseen changes and delays in the production of Kouchak Jangali, I was unexpectedly offered the role of Mirza. It felt as if fate had intervened. The bird of opportunity landed on my shoulder, and it’s a role that will forever follow me.
Challenges of Portraying Mirza
Given Mirza’s iconic status, was there added pressure in bringing this character to life?
Definitely. Portraying someone as revered as Mirza comes with immense responsibility. Audiences have their own deeply rooted perceptions of him, and as an actor, you must honor that while adding your own interpretation. I delved into his life extensively, trying to understand his personality, motivations, and struggles. It wasn’t just about playing a role; it was about embodying the spirit of a revolutionary leader who sacrificed everything for his ideals.