“Poem of Travel”: Unveiling the Enduring Bond of Googoosh and Behrouz Vossoughi
Introduction
A special evening unfolded in Los Angeles a few hours ago, marking the highly anticipated screening of the documentary “Poem of Travel.” This cinematic exploration delves into the captivating love affair and significant artistic collaboration between two towering figures of Iranian cinema and music, Googoosh and Behrouz Vossoughi. The event itself was a gathering of notable personalities, with Googoosh and Behrouz Vossoughi in attendance, alongside Iranian-American comedian Max Amini and Maya Ghorbani, Googoosh’s granddaughter and a prominent Iranian model. The presence of these individuals underscored the cultural significance of the documentary and the enduring impact of its subjects.
Directed by Raha Etemadi, Googoosh’s wife, “Poem of Travel” promises to offer a unique and intimate perspective on the lives and intertwined careers of these iconic artists. Their history together, both on screen and off, has long been a subject of fascination for fans and cultural commentators alike. The documentary seeks to illuminate the depth of their connection and the ways in which their artistic paths intersected and influenced one another.
Googoosh, born Faegheh Atashin on May 5, 1950, in Tehran, is a legend in her own right. Her parents, Azerbaijani immigrants from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, settled in Iran, where she quickly became known by the Armenian name “Googoosh.” While typically a male name, it became her indelible stage name, a name synonymous with a golden era of Iranian music and film. In interviews, she has shared that the name “Googoosh” was used from a very young age, though her birth certificate officially records “Faegheh.” Her journey from a young girl in Tehran to an internationally recognized superstar is a testament to her immense talent and charisma.
Behrouz Vossoughi, born in Khoy and later moving to Tehran as a teenager, is another pillar of Iranian cinema. His powerful performances have earned him critical acclaim and numerous accolades at international film festivals, including Best Actor awards at the International Film Festival of India in 1974 and the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2006. Behrouz’s career spans television, radio, and theatre, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He comes from a family with a connection to the arts, with brothers Changiz Vossoughi and Shahrad Vossoughi also involved in the industry.
The personal lives of public figures often intertwine with their professional narratives, and the brief marriage between Behrouz Vossoughi and Googoosh in the 1970s is a notable chapter in their histories. This period is likely explored in “Poem of Travel,” offering insights into the dynamics of their relationship during a pivotal time in both their careers and Iranian society. Behrouz Vossoughi currently resides in Marin County, California, with his wife, Katayoun “Katty” Amjadi, also known as Catherine Vossoughi.
