Despite his father’s pride in his Quran recitation, Mehdi Shajarian strongly disapproved of his son’s involvement in singing. In traditional religious families, public singing—especially secular singing—was often viewed with suspicion or considered incompatible with religious dignity.
When Mohammad Reza Shajarian moved to Tehran in 1967 and began singing on Radio Tehran, he did so under the pseudonym “Siavash Bidgani.” For nearly four years, he concealed his true identity to avoid upsetting his father and to preserve the family’s religious reputation.
In later interviews, including one with the BBC, Shajarian explained that his father wished the Shajarian name to be associated primarily with Quran recitation and religious service. The pseudonym allowed him to pursue music while maintaining filial respect.
Acceptance and Recognition
The turning point came when Mehdi Shajarian met Ahmad Ebadi, the renowned setar player and musician. After recognizing the seriousness, discipline, and artistic integrity of Mohammad Reza’s musical path, he granted his approval for his son to sing under his real name.
This moment was deeply significant for Shajarian. It symbolized a reconciliation between faith and art, between tradition and personal destiny. From that point forward, he continued both singing and Quran recitation without contradiction.
