In memory of Ali-Asghar Shahbazi
This fine elderly actor played an important supporting role in my favourite-ever film.
Rest in peace to the great Ali-Asghar Shahbazi, who departed for the realm of the Spirit at the age of 98 on November 29th, 2020. He was wonderful and memorable as the elderly father of the male lead, Peyman Moaadi’s character (Nader), in A Separation by Asghar Farhadi, which is my favourite of all films. Mr. Shahbazi was an unshowy banker who stumbled into acting by accident, and his work in this film is indelible. I always found his story very poetic, and I am moved to reflect upon it today. Baruch dayan haemet; inna lillahi wa inna lilayhi raji’ún!