On the morning of May 28, 2023, a farewell ceremony was held for Behnaz Nazi, a celebrated theater, film, and television actress, as well as a stage and costume designer. The event took place outside the Vahdat Hall in Tehran, drawing a gathering of cultural managers, artists, and Nazi’s family. Attendees remembered her as a noble, unique figure in Iranian theater, highlighting the deep impact she had on the industry.
Remembering Behnaz Nazi
The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Quran by Morteza Yaraqbafan. A message from the Shaya Theater Group was read, describing Behnaz Nazi as “one of the brightest gems of acting and stage design.” The message emphasized her purity, stating she never surrendered to mediocrity, seeing theater as a sanctuary for spiritual elevation.
Emotional Tributes
- Reza Kianian: The veteran actor, visibly emotional, described Nazi as a daughter to him. He lamented the loss of three talented individuals to cancer, expressing a wish to have sacrificed his own life for their continued existence.
- Akbar Zanjanpour: The esteemed actor and director shared his sorrow, praising Nazi as his best student and expressed pride in her work.
Maryam Rahimi read a note from Mehran Imam-Bakhsh, an actor based in Austria, as part of the tributes.
A Lasting Legacy
Bahrām Abrahimi, the head of the Actors’ Association at the House of Theater, commended Nazi’s dedication to performance. He noted that her charming presence and unique energy would remain etched in the memory of Iranian theater.
After the ceremony, her body was taken for burial at the Artists’ section of Behesht Zahra Cemetery. Behnaz Nazi passed away on May 26, 2023, after battling cancer. Born in 1967, she began her professional journey in theater in 1995.
Career Highlights
Nazi’s artistic portfolio is extensive and includes roles in numerous theater productions such as:
- Gamsar
- A Time to Be
- A Girl in a Purple Cloak
- Macbeth
- Socrates
She also appeared in television series like “Journey to Chezabeh,” “Doctors,” and “Jirān,” as well as films including “Mother of Hair,” “Shorara,” and “I Want.” Her expertise in stage design earned her the Crystal Simorgh for Best Costume Design at the Fajr Film Festival for the film “Hiva.”
Behnaz Nazi’s contributions to the arts will be remembered not just for her roles but as a symbol of dedication and passion for theater.
