Hediyeh Tehrani started her acting career with Massoud Kimia's 'Soltan' (1996), which made her a recognizable star instantly. Previously, she had been offered a few roles which she passed on. In 1997, Hediyeh won a Hafiz Award (a prestigious industry award in Iran) for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of 'Maryam Koohsari' in Soltan. Since then, Hediyeh has won numerous awards for her numerous roles - both nationally and internationally- perhaps making her one of the most recognizable artists in Iran. Hediyeh is known for her portrayal of strong, willful and often stubborn women. Besides her acting career, Hediyeh has been adamant about promoting her country- Iran- through her photography. Her pictorial essays on some of the most remote areas of Iran has garnered her much recognition and she is an active member of "Khooshe Saar-e Boomi" a grassroot organization dedicated to preserving native and indigenous cultural habitats and customs. She has been instrumental in organizing photography and educational tours in this area. Hediyeh is also an active member of a children's charity, Bonyad-e Koodak, lending her time and name to bringing children's issues to the forefront. Show less «