12 Chapters of Artistic Brilliance: Zia Atabay’s Legacy and the Cinematic Triumph of Animal
Zia Atabay, also known as Zia Atabai or Zia Rowshan, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and media. Born on March 30, 1942, in Iran, he initially rose to prominence as a cabaret singer and folk song performer. Hits like “Ringo” and “Zangalo” solidified his status as a musical sensation before the Iranian Revolution.
Post-revolution, Zia Atabay embarked on a new venture by founding NITV (National Iranian Television) in the USA, making history as the pioneer of the first 24-hour Persian-language TV channel. His influence extended beyond music, as he transitioned into a political analyst role and served as the CEO of NITV TV, contributing significantly to Persian-language media growth abroad.
One of Zia Atabay’s songs, “Jamal Jamalu,” unexpectedly gained popularity in India after being featured in the blockbuster Indian movie “Animal.” Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, “Animal” became a massive hit, reaching the fifth position among the highest-selling Indian titles of 2023 within just four days of its release, accumulating a staggering 284 crores in sales.
December 20, 2023 | 11:02 am
