Following her success on television, Riahi took a five-year hiatus from cinema, returning triumphantly in the film Sham-e El-Khaar (The Last Supper). Her role in this movie earned her widespread critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actress at the 20th Fajr Film Festival, Iran’s most prestigious cinematic event. The film, rich in social and philosophical undertones, allowed Riahi to showcase a depth of emotional range that solidified her place among Iran’s finest actresses.
She later appeared in This Woman Doesn’t Speak, another powerful performance that earned her a nomination at the 7th Cinema House Festival, reaffirming her artistic credibility and reputation for selecting thoughtful, meaningful projects.
The Prophet Joseph and Spiritual Transformation
Riahi’s most iconic role — and her final one before retiring — came in 2008, when she portrayed Zuleikha in the television series Yousef Al-Mohammed (Prophet Joseph), directed by Farajollah Salahshour. The series was based on the Qur’anic story of Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) and was one of the most ambitious religious dramas ever produced for Iranian television.
Riahi’s portrayal of Zuleikha — the Egyptian noblewoman who falls in love with Joseph — was both haunting and transformative. Her performance captured the complex evolution of Zuleikha’s character: from a woman consumed by desire to one redeemed through faith and repentance. The series became a nationwide sensation, attracting millions of viewers and achieving international success across the Middle East and Central Asia.
