Dariush, performing in Dubai for the first time as part of the DSF 2002 festivities, has produced more than 25 albums during his singing career that spans 38 years.
Compared to the upbeat "shish-hashtom" generation, which includes Mansour and Moein (who recently also performed at the Dubai Aviation Club), Dariush belongs in a league of his own.
Described as the Farsi version of Irish singer Chris DeBurg, Dariush is considered as a singer for all generations.
"Dariush is a legend... one of the most gifted singers on the contemporary scene... His songs have touched the souls and minds of Iranian people for over three generations," said Shawn Shafaei, Dariush's Dubai-based promoter.
In an interview with the local press, Dariush, who sings only in Farsi, explained in broken English that his songs try to preserve Iranian music in the midst of modernity. His lyrics explore the special connection between pain and joy in the lives of ordinary, hardworking people. In so doing, he gives profound expression to feelings known to all Iranians.
"My songs convey a message of peace, hope, love, unity, healing. My music is aimed at reaching out into the hearts of Iranian conscience," said Dariush at a press conference held at the Chinese Treasure Restaurant here.
The event was attended by Ibrahim Saleh, the chief operating officer of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2002, Abdul Kader Yousef, executive general manager of Al Nasr Leisureland and Sayeed Hussain, general manager of Cyclone.
Dariush was born in Tehran on February 4, 1951 and spent his early years in Mianeh, Karaj and Kurdistan. His talent was first noticed at an early age of nine, when he appeared on stage in his school.
After dropping out of high school and getting a job as a cab driver in south central Tehran, he started his singing career at the age of 20.
His style was inspired by the late singer Davood Maghami. Dariush performed Maghami's songs first but soon his talent was discovered by song writers such as Janati Ataie and Shahriar Ghanbari.
In 1975, he was arrested and jailed for the charge of possession of drugs. Some critics reported his arrest because of somewhat political flavours in his songs. Dariush admits that he's been struggling with drug addiction "for a long time," but managed to entirely kick the bad habit just two years ago.
"He's sending the message to the youth of today that drug abuse is a curable disease. One of his advocacies is to convince policy-makers around the world that the money used to lock up drug addicts can be better used to rehabilitate them and help them go back to society as renewed persons," said Shafaei.
Previously, Dariush has staged performances in concert halls around the world - notably Wembley (London), Carnegie Hall (New York), Kennedy Centre (Washington DC), Koncertos (Stockholm), Greek Theatre (Los Angeles) and Universal Amphitheater (Los Angeles).
In a recent International Festival of Music Video and Tele-Media held in Bahrain, Dariush was recognised as the sole representative of contemporary Iranian music. He was awarded the highest Peace Trophy.
In the closing ceremonies of the Festival, Dariush sang of freedom, particularly in his homeland, Iran.
