TEHRAN – The Persian language news website Parsine announced on Tuesday that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his wife recently met prominent Iranian vocalist Mohammmadreza Shajarian at his home in Tehran in an unannounced and unofficial visit.
However, the Fars News Agency, quoting sources close to the president and Shajarian, denied the report. No sources were given for the Parsine report.
So far, neither the presidential office nor Shajarian have made any comments on the issue.
According to Parsine, the visit took place three weeks ago.
“Now that you have come to our home, can we drop by your house unannounced?” Shajarian reportedly joked at the meeting.
No additional details were given about the visit.
Rouhani obtained Shajarian’s permission to use one of his songs in his campaign film for the presidential election of June 2013.
In the film, Rouhani expressed admiration for Shajarian, who had been severely criticized by the Iranian government due to the stance he took against the government’s actions after the June 2009 presidential election. Shajarian also performed songs in the context of the post-election protests.
However, Rouhani said in an election debate on Iranian TV four years later that he listens to Shajarian’s works.
He also praised him again during an interview with the Persian weekly Chelcheragh last July, the month after he won the election.
“There are not many Iranians who have not heard Shajarian’s voice. Perhaps there is someone who has not heard it. But at least, all Iranians have heard his ‘Rabbana’ (a prayer that was broadcast by Iranian TV and radio) before iftar,” Rouhani said in the interview.
“I have also listened to his music… He is a great artist. He is the essence of two centuries of our music. He has worked with great artists and has created everlasting works. He should be respected, although certain people would disapprove of his political views,” he added.
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