Khalaj, Esmaeel (born 1936, Astara) 

Esmaeel Khalaj is a playwright who has acted, directed and recited poetry, as well as wrote plays.

The most distinctive aspect of his plays is the exquisite use of language.

He took acting courses under the Iranian directors Abdolhossein Noushin and Samad Sabahi.

His debut movie was 'Once Upon a Time' (1958), directed by Rahim Roshanian.

Khalaj has appeared in several movies, including 'Scandal' (2012), 'Salma and the Apple' (2010), 'Barefoot in Heaven' (2005) and 'A Piece of Bread' (2004).

He has also taken part in various TV series, such as 'Yalda'  (2012),  'A House without a Bird' (2010), 'The Rise of Mokhtar' (2009) and  'Coma' (2008).