These activities carried risks. In a climate where dissent was often suppressed, public alignment with opposition movements required courage. Takhti nevertheless continued, convinced that silence would betray the values he associated with championship. To him, heroism meant defending dignity not only in competition but also in public life.
Personal Life
Despite widespread fame, Takhti’s private life remained relatively simple. He married Shahla Tavakoli in November 1966. The marriage was widely celebrated, and photographs from the ceremony circulated broadly. Less than a year later, their son Babak was born. Tragically, Takhti did not live to see his child grow; his death occurred months before the birth.
Friends often described Takhti as gentle, shy, and thoughtful in personal settings. He enjoyed simple pleasures, long walks, conversations with ordinary citizens, and visits to local shops. Numerous anecdotes describe him refusing to distance himself from admirers. Children were especially drawn to him. When asked to avoid crowds or hide to preserve privacy, he reportedly responded that people had come to see him, and that he saw no reason to deny them that simple happiness.
