Mahnaz Afshar
Mahnaz Afshar is an Iranian actress. She began her acting career with the television series Gomshodeh in 1998 and entered cinema the following year with the film Doostan. In 2010, she won the Crystal Simorgh for Best Supporting Actress at the Fajr Film Festival for her role in Saadat Abad. She was nominated for the Crystal Simorgh for Best Actress for her performances in Darkoob and Ghasam. She is currently banned from appearing on screen in Iran, left the country in 2019, and holds German citizenship.
Personal life
Mahnaz Afshar was born on 11 June 1977 in Tehran to a family of Tabrizi Turkish descent. She earned a high school diploma in experimental sciences and studied editing for four years at a non-profit institute. Due to her family’s religious inclinations, they initially opposed her acting career. She trained in acting under Hamid Samandarian.
In June 2014, Afshar married Yasin Ramin, son of Mohammad Ali Ramin, who served as Deputy Minister of Culture and Press during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s second presidential term. Their marriage ceremony was officiated by Seyyed Mohammad Khatami. In May 2015, Afshar and Ramin had a daughter named Liana. The couple divorced in 2019.
Professional career
Acting
Mahnaz Afshar began her acting career with the television series Gomshodeh in 1998, followed by her cinematic debut in Doostan, directed by Ali Shah-Hatami, in the same year. She gained recognition with her role in Shoor-e Eshgh, directed by Nader Moghaddas, in 2000. Her resemblance to Googoosh contributed to her early fame and media attention. During the 2000s, Afshar became a prominent figure in Iran’s commercial cinema. In the latter part of the decade, she sought to diversify her roles by working with varied directors, earning her several awards and recognitions from critics and reputable domestic festivals. In 2014, she played a leading role in the film Moallem, directed by the renowned Tajik filmmaker Naser Saeedov.
Producing
In November 2012, Afshar produced a charity concert by Roozbeh Nematollahi at the Milad Tower Convention Center to aid earthquake victims in Azerbaijan. The event, attended by filmmakers, actors, and athletes, was named Daroog. Nematollahi performed songs including Ey Vatan, Toei Niazam, Agar Ye Rooz Biay Soragham, Tazehtarin Zakhm-e Delam, Bazamadeh-am, Gol-e Yas, Nafas Keshidan Sakhteh, Khalij-e Fars, and Khaak-e Vatanam.
In 2019, Afshar served as a judge on the television talent show Persia's Got Talent, which sparked varied reactions and discussions on social media.
Legal Issues
Mahnaz Afshar faces legal charges in Iran for supporting the Girls of Revolution Street and criticizing mandatory hijab laws, with accusations of encouraging corruption and immorality. Her advocacy for prisoners such as Yasaman Aryani and Mohammad Ali Taheri, as well as her opposition to child marriage, has drawn significant criticism from Iranian conservatives. She also faces open legal cases with charges including spreading falsehoods and propaganda against the state.