The Private Son of a Public Icon

Mahmoud Ghorbani emerged in Iran during the 1960s and 70s as a music producer and promoter. He was not a singer himself, but he played an important role behind the scenes in Tehran’s thriving entertainment industry before the 1979 Revolution. During that period, music and nightlife scene was flourishing. Tehran was filled with cabarets, concert halls, and nightclubs, and promoters like Ghorbani connected audiences with some of the biggest performers of the time.

Mahmoud Ghorbani is best known for his marriage to Googoosh (Faegheh Atashin), “Queen of Pop.” The two married in 1967, at the height of Googoosh’s fame. Together, they had a son — Kambiz Atashin, born in the late 1960s. Ghorbani was active in shaping parts of Googoosh’s career, organizing performances and managing her appearances in Tehran’s vibrant music scene. Their marriage lasted several years, but eventually ended in divorce.

September 12, 2025 | 3:01 am