Title: Laleh Marzban’s Tribute to a Modern Mother: A Narrative Beyond Traditional Roles
In a deeply personal and reflective social media post, acclaimed Iranian actress Laleh Marzban has shared a poignant perspective on motherhood, challenging conventional stereotypes and celebrating a mother’s right to a self-defined identity.
A Departure from the Traditional Image
Marzban, known for her roles in films such as “Under the Smoky Roof” (2016) and “Night Guard” (2021) for which she was nominated for a Crystal Simorgh at the Fajr Film Festival, began her post with a striking admission. She wrote that her mother “was never a mother” in the traditional sense of the word.
She elaborated that her mother never performed the archetypal acts of self-sacrifice often glorified in stories. “She never ate my leftover food, nor did she ever chase me around the house with a plate to finish my meal,” Marzban recounted. She contrasted her mother with the image of a perpetually selfless matriarch, noting her mother’s consistent focus on her own health, fitness, and personal presentation.
A Celebration of Selfhood and Balance
The actress painted a picture of a woman who maintained her own identity alongside her role as a parent. “She has never given up a gathering or a party because of me,” Marzban noted, adding that her mother never abandoned her own hobbies and interests. Instead of delivering long lectures, she fostered independence. Household chores were a shared responsibility, and from a young age, Marzban was encouraged to contribute.
“She doesn’t spend her time braiding my hair or cooking my favorite foods,” she wrote. “Sometimes, she pays attention to her own interests and those of others, and she reads books for herself.”
A Powerful Conclusion and Tribute
Marzban concluded her reflections with a powerful realization that reframed her entire narrative. She suggested that her mother may have “forgotten she is a mother and shouldn’t do the things she loves,” but this very approach provided a vital lesson.
“Now I know well that it is possible to be a mother and not lose my own life,” the actress stated, highlighting the empowering model she was given. In a heartfelt finale, she revealed that her post coincided with her mother’s birthday, declaring, “I am proud to have my mother.”
Marzban’s candid account has sparked conversations about the evolving nature of motherhood, presenting a model that balances parental love with personal fulfillment and autonomy.