A portrait of Iranian makeup artist maestro Bijan Mohtasham

Bijan Mohtasham, born in 1937 in the Iranian city of Mashhad, emerged as a pivotal figure in the realm of movie makeup.

He followed the footsteps of his father, Nariman, and his sister, Niloufar, both revered personalities in Iran's cinema and television industry.

Having completed his education at Dar ul-Funun, Mohtasham's journey in the world of entertainment took a transformative turn when he embarked on various acting courses abroad from 1969.

Under the guidance of American makeup artist John Chambers, he honed his craft, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.  

The pinnacle of Mohtasham's career came in 1963 when he grabbed the Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work in the movie 'Planet of the Apes'.

Venturing beyond the silver screen, Mohtasham made his mark in theater, beginning his acting endeavors in 1955.

By 1966, he was promoted to the position of the head of the acting department at Television and Vahdat Hall (Roudaki).

In 1973, Mohtasham took on the role of an educator, imparting his knowledge of acting at the School of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran.

Later, in 1992, he extended his influence to the Artistic Association, further shaping the future of several aspiring actors.

Acknowledged as one of the luminaries in the makeup art, Mohtasham's expertise reflects the influence of his teachings on Abdullah Eskandari, who was his student and a revered makeup maestro of Iran.

His commitment to the artistry of makeup was recognized at the inaugural Celebration House of Cinema, where he received the Best Makeup award for 'The Miracle of Laughter.'

Mohtasham's legacy extends beyond awards and accolades, encompassing the creative vision behind notable works like 'The Bold', 'Anything You Want', 'My Beloved Spouse', 'Golden Tooth', and 'Wild Deer'.

Honoring his enduring contributions, Mohtasham received further acclaim at the 29th Fajr Film Festival.

Mohtasham remains a lasting source of inspiration for generations in and beyond the Iranian film industry. iFilm English TV wishes him a long and healthy life.

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