Asadzadeh’s earliest exposure to theater occurred in childhood. His father, despite later resistance, initially introduced him to stage performances as a form of reward for academic achievement. Each week, if young Dariush performed well in his studies, he was taken to the theater. These outings left a profound impression on him. The atmosphere of the stage, the transformation of actors, and the power of storytelling captivated his imagination.
As he grew older, this fascination deepened into a genuine artistic calling. He developed an interest in poetry and music and learned to play the violin. However, these pursuits soon clashed with his father’s expectations. While the father had once been the bridge between the child and the theater, he later became a barrier, strongly opposing the idea of artistic work as a profession. He believed such a path lacked dignity and stability and insisted that his son pursue military training or a respectable administrative position.
Under pressure, Asadzadeh reluctantly abandoned music. Yet his passion for performance did not fade. After completing high school, and for the first time operating beyond the direct supervision of his father, he secretly enrolled in the first year of an acting academy while simultaneously attending university courses to maintain the appearance of conformity. This dual life marked the beginning of a lifelong negotiation between obligation and desire.
