Iraqi music stars who deceased at age 73
Here are 3 famous musicians from Iraq died at 73:
Nadira
Nadira (December 5, 1932 Baghdad-February 9, 2006 Tardeo) also known as Farhat Ezekiel Nadira, Nadiraji, Florence Ezekiel Nadira, Farhat Ezekiel, Farhat or Florence was an Iraqi actor.
Nadira was widely regarded as one of the most glamorous and talented actresses of her time. She began her career in the Hindi film industry in the 1950s and went on to act in over 50 films, mostly playing the role of the seductive and sophisticated leading lady. Her breakthrough role came in 1952's "Aan," where she starred opposite Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar. In addition to her acting career, Nadira was also known for her impeccable fashion sense and was often considered a style icon in the Indian film industry. After retiring from acting in the 1970s, she dedicated her life to philanthropy and spent her time working for various charities. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the Indian film industry continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses.
Nadira was born to a Baghdadi Jewish family in Iraq in 1932. Her family had migrated to India when she was a child, and she grew up in Mumbai. Nadira was multilingual and could speak Hindi, Urdu, English, and Arabic fluently. She was highly educated and held a Master's degree in English Literature.
Nadira was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to portray a range of characters with ease. Some of her most memorable roles include the vamp in "Shree 420" and the eccentric aunt in "Julie." Her performances were often praised for their nuance and depth.
In addition to her work in Bollywood, Nadira also appeared in a few Hollywood films. She played a small role in the 1959 film "Solomon and Sheba" and appeared in the 1967 film "The Far Pavilions."
Nadira was known for her strong personality and her willingness to speak her mind. She was often called "difficult" by filmmakers and producers, but she refused to compromise on her standards.
Despite facing discrimination as a Jewish woman in India, Nadira persevered and went on to become one of the most respected and beloved actresses of her time. Her contributions to the Indian film industry and her philanthropic work continue to inspire people today.
Nadira was married to an Indian film director named RK Nayyar, who directed her in several films, including "Kalpana" and "Miss Mary." The couple had a son together named David, who later became a film director as well. Nadira was also known for her love of animals and was a devoted animal rights activist. She was particularly passionate about the welfare of stray dogs and spent much of her time and resources caring for them. Nadira received several awards and honors for her contributions to the film industry and her charitable work, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1996 Screen Awards. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women and an advocate for animals continues to inspire people around the world.
She died in stroke.
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Ahmed Barzani
Ahmed Barzani (April 5, 1896-April 5, 1969) was an Iraqi personality.
He was the founder of the Kurdish Democratic Party and played a significant role in Kurdish politics in Iraq. Ahmed Barzani was born in the Barzan region of Iraqi Kurdistan and grew up in a family of influential Kurdish leaders. He received his education in the Kurdish language, and at the age of 18, he started getting involved in Kurdish politics. He became the leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party in 1946 and led several unsuccessful uprisings against the Iraqi government. In 1958, he had to flee to Iran, where he continued his political activities until his return to Iraq in 1961.
Ahmed Barzani was known for his advocacy for Kurdish rights, and he played an essential role in the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Northern Iraq. His works are considered essential in the history of the Kurdish resistance movement, and he is celebrated as a hero and a symbol of Kurdish nationalism. After his death on his 73rd birthday, his son Masoud Barzani succeeded him as the leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party.
Ahmed Barzani's fight for Kurdish autonomy in Iraq was heavily influenced by his experiences as a young man. His father was killed by the Ottoman Governor of Mosul when Ahmed was just ten years old, and he grew up in a family that valued Kurdish culture and language. This led him to become a passionate activist for Kurdish independence, believing that the Kurdish people had the right to their own self-determination.
Ahmed Barzani's political career was marked by his persistence in the face of adversity. He faced many setbacks in his attempts to gain Kurdish autonomy, including imprisonment and exile, but he never gave up his fight. Even after returning to Iraq in 1961, he continued to lead the Kurdish Democratic Party until his death in 1969.
Ahmed Barzani's legacy continues to be felt in Kurdish politics to this day. His son, Masoud Barzani, served as President of the Kurdistan Regional Government from 2005 to 2017, and the Kurdish Democratic Party remains a major political force in Iraqi Kurdistan. Ahmed Barzani's unwavering dedication to Kurdish independence and his role in the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government have cemented his place in Kurdish history as a champion of the Kurdish people.
In addition to his political activities, Ahmed Barzani was also a prolific writer and poet. He wrote many poems and articles in the Kurdish language, advocating for Kurdish rights and culture. He also wrote a memoir, "Kurdistan Rises," which recounts his experiences in the Kurdish resistance movement. Ahmed Barzani's contributions to Kurdish literature have earned him a place as one of the most important figures in Kurdish cultural history. His legacy continues to inspire Kurdish writers, activists, and politicians to this day. Additionally, Ahmed Barzani's efforts to establish an autonomous Kurdistan in northern Iraq were part of a larger movement for Kurdish autonomy in the region. His work laid the foundation for the Kurdish struggle in Iraq and inspired later generations of Kurdish activists to continue the fight for Kurdish rights and independence.
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Solhi al-Wadi
Solhi al-Wadi (February 12, 1934 Baghdad-September 30, 2007 Damascus) a.k.a. Sulhi Al-Wadi or صلحي الوادي was an Iraqi composer, conductor and music director.
Solhi al-Wadi began his music career at a young age, after studying at the Baghdad Conservatory. He then moved to Russia to continue his studies at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied composition and conducting. After returning to Iraq, he became the conductor of the Baghdad Symphony Orchestra in 1963, and he held this position for several years.
In addition to his work with the orchestra, al-Wadi composed music for films, television shows, and theatrical productions. He was known for blending traditional Iraqi music with Western classical music, creating a unique sound that was popular both in Iraq and abroad.
During his career, Solhi al-Wadi composed more than 500 musical works, including orchestral works, chamber music, and solo pieces. He also served as a professor of music at the Baghdad Conservatory and the Fine Arts Institute in Baghdad. Al-Wadi was recognized as a leading figure in Iraqi music and was widely regarded as a pioneer in bridging the gap between Western and Arabic music. He received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to music, including the Order of the Republic of Iraq in 1981. Despite facing political difficulties during his career, al-Wadi continued to compose and create music until his death in 2007. Today, he is remembered as one of Iraq's most influential musicians, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians in Iraq and beyond.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Solhi al-Wadi was also active in politics. He served as a member of the Iraqi parliament and was a supporter of the Ba'ath Party. However, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, al-Wadi faced persecution and was forced to flee Iraq. He eventually settled in Syria, where he continued to compose and perform music. Despite his forced exile, al-Wadi remained committed to promoting Iraqi culture and music, and he continued to work tirelessly to preserve and promote the music of his homeland. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of modern Iraqi music and a trailblazer who helped shape the course of Arab music in the 20th century.
He died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
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