From Bitter Coffee to Re-Cooperation: Unpacking the Mehran Modiri and Sahar Zakaria Feud and Unexpected Reunion

The “Darhasheyeh” Controversy: Another Blow

The production of “Darhasheyeh” added another layer of complexity to their relationship. The series faced significant problems and protests, leading to a four-month halt in production. This period of unemployment, with no payment received and the inability to take on other work due to Modiri’s reassurances of the project resuming, further exacerbated the financial strain on the cast and crew. Zakaria expressed frustration that despite the potential of “Darhasheyeh,” the external pressures and the need to move the production inside a prison setting hindered its success. Modiri’s decision not to act in the second season, which was filmed in a prison setting, was also seen by Zakaria as a sign of his displeasure with the situation.

The Turning Point: The Gathering and the “Few Pots”

A pivotal moment in Zakaria’s perception of Modiri’s changes appears to be an invitation to a gathering where she received no payment, unlike other invited actors. Her compensation consisted of “a few pots with a tablet.” This seemingly minor incident held significant symbolic weight for Zakaria, leading her to believe that this was “where Mehran Modiri completely changed.”

Modiri’s Alleged Transformation: The Influence of Ali Oji

Zakaria attributed a significant part of Modiri’s perceived transformation to his collaboration with Ali Oji. She contrasted the Modiri she knew, who preferred classical music and seemingly disdained popular culture, with the Modiri who would attend a Behnam Bani concert. While emphasizing her respect for Behnam Bani, Zakaria saw this shift as indicative of a fundamental change in Modiri’s mindset and values. Her attempt to respectfully address her concerns with Modiri was met with a public video in which he allegedly dismissed criticism as mere justification.

May 6, 2025 | 6:06 pm