Motahari: We Should Not Confront Artists Like Shajarian, People’s Hearts Are With Them
According to FCN, a member of the Parliamentary Cultural Commission stated that rejecting artists places them even more in the hearts of the people, and emphasized: We should not confront artists like Shajarian because many people’s hearts are with them.
Ali Motahari, in an interview with Mardom Salari, regarding the broadcast ban and activity restriction imposed on Mohammad Reza Shajarian over the past six years, said: Dealing with artists must be accompanied by prudence because they hold a place in the hearts of the people. Suppose some want to confront them; confronting this group through rejection is not the way, because in that case they find an even greater place in people’s hearts.
The representative of Tehran, Rey, Shemiran and Damavand, Islamshahr and Pardis in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, regarding Shajarian’s political statements in 1388 [2009], said: Generally, artists’ criticisms or compliments tend to be somewhat stronger and more emotional, and officials should not drive them away for minor reasons; especially since there is an emotional bond between the people and such individuals, whether they are actors or singers.
He added: In general, artists have a refined spirit and their feelings and emotions are intense; therefore, if they make a sharp political statement somewhere, they should not be dealt with forcefully and severely.
This parliamentarian, stating that he does not approve of this type of treatment toward anyone, explained: We should not reject someone solely based on a statement; especially in the case of artists. Of course, some may say that there were insults in certain places, but in that emotional and passionate atmosphere of 1388, someone might have used harsh words, but we should not take it seriously because it was not in normal circumstances.
Motahari described and emphasized the treatment of Shajarian as a continuation of the 1388 approaches: We should not confront such artists because many people’s hearts are with them.
In response to the question of whether, given the change in national media and Ministry of Culture leadership compared to 1388, a reconsideration in the approach toward Shajarian is necessary, he emphasized: The Ministry of Culture has no fundamental problem with Shajarian; Broadcasting Organization also receives orders from a certain circle, and a change in leadership has little effect on changing that behavior.
The member of the Parliamentary Cultural Commission, while wishing health for Iran’s master vocalist, regarding his relationship with Mohammad Reza Shajarian’s songs, said: Like many Iranians, I have a memorable relationship with Shajarian’s voice, and I like his voice and most other traditional singers because they are influential and, given the refined works they have done, have been effective in promoting the country’s culture. His songs touch the heart.
