Zari Khoshkam: Icon of Cinema and Mother of Leila Hatami

Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Childhood and Family Roots

Born in 1947 in the historic city of Isfahan, Zari Khoshkam grew up immersed in a city renowned for its artistic and architectural grandeur. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for the arts, especially dance and performance. Her family, traditional and conservative, initially viewed her artistic pursuits with skepticism, reflecting a common tension faced by women pursuing careers in the performing arts worldwide.

Despite familial opposition, Zari’s determination led her to pursue her interests beyond societal expectations. She spent her formative years exploring dance, eventually completing a four-year ballet course at a national ballet school, where she cultivated discipline, grace, and expressive movement—skills that would serve as the foundation for her acting career.

Education and International Exposure

Seeking broader horizons, Zari spent several years studying abroad in London, where she was exposed to diverse cultural influences and modern artistic expressions. This experience broadened her worldview, deepened her appreciation for global cinema, and enriched her artistic sensibility.

Her international exposure was pivotal, allowing her to develop a nuanced understanding of storytelling, performance, and cultural exchange—elements that would later define her acting style. Her background in ballet and dance provided her with a unique physicality and expressive capacity, enabling her to portray complex characters with authenticity and depth.

December 19, 2025 | 5:03 am