WANA (May 12) – The migration of well-known Iranian celebrities to foreign countries often begins with flashy appearances and bold promises; promises that sometimes carry a political tone and are accompanied by media hype. Yet many of these migrations eventually become entangled with the harsh realities of living in a foreign land.

 

Loneliness, separation from family, and the distance from one’s native culture and language are just some of the challenges these individuals experience. Celebrities who were at the peak of their fame and popularity in their homeland often face difficulties such as intense competition, unfamiliarity, and sometimes even regret over their decision in foreign lands.

 

These experiences show that migration, despite its deceptive appearance, is not always easy or profitable, and it carries a cost that, at times, outweighs its initial allure.

 

Fariborz Arabnia: From Mokhtarnameh to Ambulance

Migration, in and of itself, is neither a disgraceful decision nor one worthy of blame; what merits reflection are the reasons and methods behind it.

Fariborz Arabnia as Mokhtar al-Thaqafi in the series Mokhtarnameh. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Fariborz Arabnia, the actor best known for his iconic role as Mokhtar al-Thaqafi in the series Mokhtarnameh—a performance that earned him recognition not just in Iran but across the region—is one such figure who left his homeland and moved to Canada.

 

Arabnia, who was a major star of Iranian cinema in the 1990s and later rose to television fame, now, according to a video posted on his Instagram page, works as a patient transport driver. Despite being away from the stage and the camera, he says he takes pride in his new job and considers it a humanitarian profession.

 

Mahnaz Afshar: From Box Office Hits to Maternal Longing

Mahnaz Afshar was one of the most popular actresses in Iranian cinema, entering the film industry in the late 1990s and quickly becoming one of the guarantors of box office success. However, she suddenly turned her back on all her professional achievements and moved to Germany.

 

Speaking about her migration, Afshar says: “At first, I was fired up; I didn’t understand…” She recounts difficult days abroad, loneliness, and yearning for her mother’s embrace.

 

Following media controversy surrounding her separation from her husband, Yasin Ramin, in 2019, she left Iran and shortly thereafter appeared as a judge on the satellite TV show “Persian Got Talent”—a move that sparked widespread reactions.

 

In recent years, her activities have been mostly limited to social media and influencer work, with no serious presence in cinema or theater.

Mahnaz Afshar as a judge on the satellite TV show “Persian Got Talent”. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Ashkan Khatibi: Regret and Hidden Suffering

Ashkan Khatibi, who has also emigrated to Europe, is among the actors who have openly expressed regret about leaving Iran. He states: “In Iran, I had everything. I was in charge… But I turned my back on it all. If we made a mistake, we made it together.”

 

He also revealed that he has been diagnosed with CPTSD (Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) while in Europe and added: “Neither my mind nor my body can work anymore… I’m not satisfied with the things I did abroad.”

 

Khatibi emphasizes that he hasn’t set foot on stage for nearly six years and that the price of his decision has been the loss of his family.

 

Arzhang Amirfazli: The Bitter Joke of Canada’s Costs

Arzhang Amirfazli is among the Iranian artists who, after emigrating to Canada, has shared videos of his new life—videos that make it clear the sky isn’t any bluer elsewhere.

 

In a humorous tone, he talks about the high cost of living in Canada and admits that his income doesn’t cover his expenses: “I earn three thousand dollars a month, but if I want to rent a place, there’s nothing left for me by the end of the month.”

 

Although he doesn’t mention his current job, one user on the social platform X has claimed that Amirfazli is now working as an Uber driver in Toronto, for someone who spent years appearing on Iranian cinema and television screens, such a shift is not easy—but it’s also part of the harsh reality of emigration.

Arzhang Amirfazli, Iranian actor. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Hamid Farrokhnezhad: From Fame to Artistic Silence

Hamid Farrokhnezhad, a prominent Iranian cinema actor and once one of the highest-paid stars in home video productions, decided to emigrate to the United States after starring in the series “Soghoot” (The Fall).

 

Following his migration, his only artistic appearance was in a theater production titled “Safe House”, performed with other expatriate actors, which met with little success. He now spends most of his time attending concerts and public gatherings, having distanced himself from acting.

 

A film he produced in Iran, “The Major”, was recently screened in select cinemas abroad, but Farrokhnezhad has not presented any significant artistic work since his emigration. His presence has mostly been limited to political commentary against the Islamic Republic of Iran on social media.

Hamid Farrokhnezhad, an Iranian actor in a recent interview with the Manoto TV channel. Social media/ WANA News Agency

In a recent interview with the Manoto TV channel, he stated: “In Iran, I had money and status, but what I expected didn’t come true; in the end, I was left with just my phone—which is now my media!”

 

In another part of the interview, he added: “Many people call me a traitor to my country; it hurts me.” However, this label may be partly attributed to comments he made in another video, where he said: “The entire people of Iran can be sacrificed for my child!”  —words that sparked criticism, particularly from those who once granted him fame and recognition, the Iranian people.

 

The End of a Dream: A Fading Illusion

In recent years, many Iranian celebrities have emigrated from the country in search of a better life. Yet aside from a few figures like Golshifteh Farahani and Zahra Amir Ebrahimi, who achieved international success, most have failed to reclaim their former stature. Many have drifted away from acting altogether, now living in obscurity, silence, and far from the spotlight.