Mahmoud Basiri: The Veteran Actor Whose Resemblance to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Changed His Career

First Steps in Iranian Cinema

Basiri’s earliest acting experiences date back to the early 1960s. One of his first opportunities came with the film Women Are Angels in 1963. Although his scene was reportedly removed from the final version of the film, he later described the experience as an important milestone because it introduced him to professional filmmaking.

At the beginning of his career, Basiri frequently appeared as an extra or supporting performer. These small roles enabled him to gain practical experience while building relationships within the industry.

During these formative years, he also worked behind the scenes as a stunt driver, performing demanding driving sequences that required precision and courage.

July 11, 2026 | 10:02 pm