Saturday film star talks with ifilm

Iran actor Hessam Navab-Safavi starring in ifilm Saturday’s movie ‘Abraham, Friend of Allah’ talks with the channel in an exclusive interview.

The actor who played the role of Abraham’s son, Ishmael or Ismail, in Mohammad-Reza Varzi's work disclosed to ifilm that he was invited “from somewhere else” for the film, referring to how he was spiritually attached to his representation in the movie.    

“When the director offered me the role of Ishmael, I was on the fence due to the fact that I wouldn’t consider myself to be in a position to play such role,” the actor said, adding, however, that he consulted with the holy Quran and it turned out to be a good decision.

Talking about the most special moment of ‘Abraham, Friend of Allah’, Navab-Safavi said, “While I was shooting for the film, a model of the Kaaba was built and walking around the model was really amazing as it was evocative of Prophet Abraham’s experience."

Muslims traditionally celebrate Eid al-Adha which marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage with the sacrifice of sheep, cattle, camels and other livestock.

The act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham (PBUH)’s submission to divine order to sacrifice his son, Ismail (PBUH).

Hessam Navab-Safavi made his acting debut on the small screen with the series 'Returning Home' (1996). 

Appearing in the TV series 'The British Briefcase' (1999) won him a nation-wide fame, turning into a household name.

He has taken part in a number of movies, including 'Objection' (1999), 'Euthanasia' (2001), 'The Lucky Bride' (2002), 'Candle in the Wind' (2003), 'Marriage Iranian Style' (2004), 'Abraham, Friend of Allah' (2005), 'Souvenir from Abroad' (2006), 'Flying Crow' (2007), 'The Outcasts 2' (2008), 'While We Sleep' (2008), 'The Outcasts 3' (2010) and 'Kindergarten Operation' (2012).

He has also appeared in series such as 'Era of Constitutional Revolution' (2009), 'Tabriz in Fog' (2010), 'The Pahlavi Hat' (2012-2013), and 'The Mystery of the Shah' (2015).

Currently, he is doing a Master's Degree in Law.  Besides acting, he is supposed to play the piano for a music band in the near future.

AG/AG