Iranian Pop icon Googoosh refuses to perform until freedom returns to Iran
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Iranian pop star Googoosh has returned to the cultural-political spotlight, announcing in an interview with "The Times" that she will not perform any concerts “until the Iranian people have gained their freedom.”
Her statement, which has sparked widespread reactions among Iranians both inside and outside the country, comes amid a growing wave of protests against the regime in Tehran.
Who is Googoosh?
Googoosh, whose real name is Faegheh Atashin, rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as an iconic singer and actress. She was the first woman to perform pop music on Iranian stages, challenging tradition by appearing in short skirts.
She built a global artistic presence, achieving widespread popularity in 20th-century pop culture even before stars like Madonna and Beyoncé.
What happened to the Iranian singer Googoosh?
Her career came to a halt with the rise of the Islamic regime, during which she was imprisoned and banned from performing. She eventually left the country, gradually becoming a cultural icon for those opposing the authorities. In recent years, social media has allowed her to receive daily messages from inside Iran about social and political pressures, reinforcing her role as a voice of “soft resistance.”
The octogenarian artist expresses hope for imminent change, stating that “the regime will not last long,” while her supporters see her latest decision as a strongly political statement rather than merely an artistic gesture.