Googoosh

Legendary Phoenix of Iranian Music

When it comes to Iranian music, the iconic Googoosh continues to occupy her place as a legend and the ultimate example of brilliance and resilience. Her musical journey represents a rich legacy that continues to captivate and inspire her fans with fame that extends across the Middle East and beyond. As a cultural icon, over the past six decades Googoosh has embodied the aspirations and struggles of her generation, transcending language barriers and shattering gender stereotypes as one of the first female superstars in Iran and the Middle East. Residing since many years in the US, the Iranian icon was interviewed in the heart of Beverly Hills by Yasmine Shihata, Enigma magazine’s founder and CEO, who was thrilled to honour her with Enigma’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Music at Enigma’s 11th Celebration of Arab Glamour & Success. Yasmine spoke with Googoosh about her exciting international journey that started in Tehran and took her to glamorous international capitals like Paris and beyond, with fans of her music across the globe.

Faegheh Atashin, knows as Googoosh, was born in 1950 in Tehran to an artistic family. At three years old, her father, who was an acrobat, guided her through her first appearance on stage with him. “I started performing when I was very little,” she recalls with a nostalgic smile. “My father was an acrobat, and he took me on stage with him. Slowly, I began imitating singers I saw and heard.” Her deep love for her father and her desire to make him proud, as well as his constant encouragement, placed her on a path that would turn into an illustrious career that would span decades.

Googoosh & her father

Googoosh started acting when she was seven, when he secured her a contract with a company that saw her unique ability to transform into different personalities on stage. “I was the first young singer in Iran who could both sing and act. At that time, all singers were very serious; they just stood and sang. But I was different. I sang and acted simultaneously, and that made me stand out,” she recalls. She starred in numerous blockbusters including Elephant and Cup in 1966, Beggars of Tehran in 1967, Retaliation in 1971, Fellow Travellers in 1975, and most notably Along the Night in 1978, which became one of the most successful Iranian films of all time.

Reflecting on her rapid rise to stardom, Googoosh recounts that it was rather overwhelming for her, being a young performer, especially as her fame would keep growing with each of her performances. “At the same time, I still had to go to school, so I had to do my homework backstage every night,” explaining that was her life till she turned 13, when she dropped out of school to focus on performing.

Throughout her career, Googoosh won several accolades including the Best Singer award at the Midem Trade Fair in Cannes in 1971, the Special Cultural Medal of Tunisia in 1972, the Best Actress award at Sepas Film Festival in 1973, and Best Iranian Singer at the World Music Awards in 2014.

Googoosh’s imitation of movie actresses and singers in different languages since her younger days, helped her appeal to international audiences. “I would sing in different languages without knowing the meaning of the words. I was just imitating,” she explains. In 1966, she released her first single, Ghesseh Vafa, which to date is the highest-selling record in Iranian history, and by the early 1970’s she was making waves internationally. Eventually, a French agent brought her to Paris to record songs in French; and soon afterwards she was signing with the prestigious RCA label in Italy and was recording albums in Italian, Spanish, and English. Her success reached a crescendo with a month-long sold-out concert at the Eiffel Tower.

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution drastically altered the course of Googoosh’s life. While visiting the U.S. and Switzerland, she was caught in the upheaval. “I was in America when the revolution happened,” she says, her voice tinged with the weight of those days. “I couldn’t go back to Iran. I stayed in Los Angeles, and eventually faced a harsh reality. I had no home, no money, no connections,” she recalls, adding, “After staying for six months in the United States, I felt the need to go back.”

“When I returned, I was shocked,” she explains. “They took my passport. They took everything. And I found myself in jail for a month.” As she recalls the surreal shock of being interrogated about why she was singing and acting, Googoosh’s face tightens. “There was no trial. They gave me a letter to sign, promising that I wouldn’t perform, attend parties, or be involved in any gatherings. That was the condition for my release,” she states, reliving the horror of the experience.

After her release from prison, Googoosh had to endure over two decades of house arrest. “I thought I was done with my career,” she reflects. “I had to adapt to a life without performing. I focused on my family.” Despite the restrictions, Googoosh found solace in books and in spirituality, which helped her find peace amidst her turbulent circumstances. Her fans, meanwhile, never forgot her. “I was unaware of how much my fans still loved me,” she confides. “It wasn’t until the advent of satellite TV that I realised people were still following my work,” she adds.

Finally, the year 2000 saw her triumphant return with the Googoosh Comeback Tour. She was able to leave Iran after receiving a pardon and permission to act in a movie: her ticket to freedom. Her first concert in Canada was a monumental moment, marked by an overwhelming reception from thousands of fans. “All my body was shaking. And when I saw 17 to 18 thousand people in the Air Canada Centre, I couldn’t believe what was happening to me!” she says. That same year, the documentary “Googoosh: Iran’s Daughter,” was released, chronicling her amazing life journey.

Since then, Googoosh has embraced her newfound freedom with vigor: “After all these 45 years, I am a symbol of women, life, and freedom.” She resumed her musical career and ventured into new territories, including launching a successful perfume line. Googoosh shared exciting news about the imminent release of her second fragrance. “Two years ago, I had a very good perfume. I loved it. And now I am releasing the second one,” she reveals. The anticipation rises as the new scent nears completion, with Googoosh expressing hope that fans will soon get to experience it. “I want my fans to have a piece of me that they can spray on every day,” she adds, highlighting the personal connection behind each scent. This new release promises to be another beautiful extension of her artistic vision.

Through it all, Googoosh still remembers the figures that have had a profound impact on her life. Living a life like Cinderella with her stepmother, is one of the reasons that keeps her up at night. “These memories come to me all the time, but I deal with them, yet they don’t let me sleep,” she explains, revealing the persistent echoes of her past that haunt her nights. A profound sense of strength and complexity continues to define her, while she remains anchored in her passions and values.

Looking forward, Googoosh’s aspirations extend beyond her own career. In a world where the fight for gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, Googoosh stands as a beacon of empowerment and hope. After a storied career and numerous achievements despite amazingly difficult odds, Googoosh has turned her focus to the empowerment of women in regions where their rights are severely restricted. Her latest endeavor is a testament to her commitment to social change. Her new book, A labor of love and reflection, dives into the plight of women around the world, particularly in oppressive environments like Iran, Afghanistan, and other regions where women face daily challenges and threats to their lives solely because of their gender.

“My book is finished, and it’s a reflection of my thoughts on the struggles faced by women singers, but more broadly, any woman fighting for her rights,” she explains. Her passion for this cause stems from a recognition that, in many societies, women are still fighting for basic rights and freedoms in a world predominantly controlled by men. The harsh reality is that in many countries, women are not just battling for career opportunities or personal freedom; they are fighting for their very survival. Acknowledging this truth, she is channeling her energy into advocacy and support for those women. Her message is clear and powerful: “Fight for your life, fight for your rights.”

Googoosh’s dedication to this cause is not just theoretical. She has put her words into action by establishing a scholarship fund specifically designed to support women from these oppressed regions. The Googoosh Scholarship aims to provide educational opportunities for women from Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries where women’s potential is often stifled by societal constraints. “To protect them and help them achieve whatever they aspire to is my goal,” she explains. “Education is a powerful tool for change, and I want to ensure that women have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.” So far, the scholarship has supported six women, enabling them to study in the United States and to access opportunities they might never have had otherwise. This initiative not only empowers women but also serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the potential for change.

For the women following Googoosh’s journey from these challenging regions, her message is both inspiring and actionable. “Never give up. Keep fighting for your rights and your dreams,” she asserts. Her support extends beyond mere words; it is a tangible commitment to improving lives and making a difference. In a world that still has far to go, her work reminds us that every effort counts, and that change is possible. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to continue the fight for a world where every woman can live freely and fully, regardless of where she was born.

With her thoughts clearly on the future, Googoosh continues to write a new chapter in her life as well as in the lives of others. The world of entertainment has witnessed many comebacks, but few are as poignant and powerful as Googoosh’s. She has gone from a young girl with a dream to become a global icon with a mission. Googoosh’s story is one of resilience, artistry, and an unyielding spirit. As she moves forward, one thing is certain: the world will continue to be enchanted by her voice, her story, and her indomitable presence.

Googoosh & Yasmine Shihata

Enigma Questionnaire

Describe yourself in five words.
Caring. Loving. Performer. Entertainer. Fun. Performing became one with my body. It’s not out of me. It’s in me.

What would you want to change about yourself?
I would like to become five inches taller!

What qualities do you dislike in people?
Lying and cheating.

What qualities do you admire in people?
I love creativity and beauty in all forms. Art is a quality I admire in people.

Who is your life hero?
My father. And Vigan, the Armenian singer who inspired me.

What do you love most about your life now?
My dogs and my home.

If somebody decided I’m going to do a film about Googoosh, who would you like to play
your role?
A long time ago, I wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to do, but now I have to look
around.

What is left that you still want to do in your life?
It’s too late for me to star in a movie, but I would like to if I can find a good story.