Notebooks promoting “Shekarestan” unveiled

TEHRAN,Aug.27(MNA) – A series of notebooks bearing images of major characters of “Shekarestan”, the acclaimed Iranian animation series on Persian proverbs and anecdotes, was introduced during a ceremony here in Tehran’s Art Bureau on Monday. Produced by Tehran’s Art Bureau, the notebooks are currently on display in the ongoing stationery exhibition at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds, Persian news agencies reported on Monday. Morteza Ahmadi, the actor, singer and narrator of “Shekarestan” (Sugarland), director Babak Nazari, along with Art Bureau Director Mohsen Momeni-Sharif were among those who participated in the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Ahmadi said that after years of dubbing and lending voices to series of animations, he has found out that “Shekarestan” comes after “Pinocchio”, and is not only loved by children but by adults. Ahmadi is famous for his voice, which is the voice of the sly fox that tricks Pinocchio. He has appeared in over 30 films and has also voiced many animation characters over his 69 year career. Ahmadi was next honored for his lifetime achievements, after which he gave a brief speech, saying “I am almost 90. You can hardly find any actor who has found fame at this age, since they lose their popularity when they reach 75 or 80. But I have become more popular with ‘Shekarestan’ at the age of 90.” He also expressed his regrets over why such a famous work, which has found ways into people’s hearts would not continue. “There are a great number of young animators who made ‘Shekarestan’. These types of programs need to be aired for several years,” he said. Ahmadi is one of the few artists who possess expertise in Iran’s traditional theatrical performances such as ru-hozi, pardekhani, siah-bazi, which are usually accompanied by a rhythmic narration and tonbak music. These performances have been neglected over the past three decades. In 2008, he gave a rhythmic voiceover narration to “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who”, a production from 20th Century Fox.