Bita Laharkhani (21 March 1958 – 25 November 2023), better known as Bita Farrahi, was an Iranian actress.

Bita Farrahi studied art at John Powers' School in the United States. She worked as a professional model for art magazines in California, left the US in 1985, and returned to Iran. Her talent as an actress was noticed by director Dariush Mehrjui.

She began her acting career with Hamoun in 1989. She was most noted for her willingness to play the roles of intellectual, independent women who are struggling with family and psychological problems.

Bita Farahi Laharkhani was born on March 21, 1958, in Tehran, Iran. She is the daughter of Monir Farahi and Cyrus Laharkhani Dinbali, and she is the niece of Farhang Farahi. Bita's mother was involved in artistic activities in the 1930s and performed on theater stages, while her father produced cultural and artistic programs for Radio Tehran.

"I like people very much and I care more about popularity than fame. I like to be loved by people. I feel that I am a people's person and if one day I quit my job, they would know me again and I would take what I want from people."

"I always think that I wish I had the capital to start a cozy little bookstore in a nice and convenient place, a book cafe where you can drink a good coffee, read a good book and listen to a good music, I love it. I love to do such things."

In 1973, Bita Farahi married Hassan Ghoreishy, the head of Keyhan Publications. She won the Miss World Award in 1973. In 1978, Bita Farahi went to the United States to continue her studies, attending the John Robert Powers School in California. She returned to Iran in 1981.

Naser Cheshmazar introduced her to Dariush Mehrjui for the role of Mahshid in the film "Hamoun" (1989), marking Bita Farahi's debut in acting at the age of 31. Her performance in "Hamoun" earned her the Diploma of Honor for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 8th Fajr Film Festival. In the following years, Farahi continued her career with directors such as Ahmad Reza Darvish, Bahman Farmanara, Masoud Kimiai, and Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, receiving nominations for the Crystal Simorgh Award for her roles in "Kimia" (1994), "A House Built on Water" (2001), and "Khoon bazi" (2006).

In 2017, she appeared as a guest on the television show "Dorehami," directed by Mehran Modiri, and also participated in "Khandevaneh," directed by Rambod Javan, in 2018.

Personal life

Bita Farahi was the only child of her family and spent her childhood in the vicinity of Baharestan Square. Encouraged by her uncle, Farhang Farahi, Bita participated in the "Best Daughter" competition in 1973. During the event, she met Mr. Hassan Ghoreishy, the head of Keyhan Publications, and their acquaintance paved the way for Bita's marriage to Hassan Ghoreishy.

In the later years of her life, Bita Farahi divided her time between Paris and Tehran. She had a daughter named Mahsa Ghoreishy, who resides in France.


Death

She died of complications from heart and lung disease on 25 November 2023, at the age of 64.


Filmography

Actress

A Time in Eternity (2025, In Development)
Sarzamin-e Madari (2023, TV Series)
LA Minor (2022)
Jazireh (2021, TV Series)
Pish Az Anke Begooyam Khodahafez (2019, TV Movie)
Az Yadha Rafteh (2019, TV Series)
Raghs Rooye Shishe (2019, TV Series)
The Last Fiction (2018)
Irandokht (2018, TV Series)
Ghashang & Farang (2016)
Baradaram Khosro (My Brother, Khosrow) (2016)
Dorane Asheghi (2015)
Annunciation to a Third Milennium Citizen (2013)
Kharash (2011)
Six and Five (2011)
Khatere-ye an Shab-e Barani (2010, TV Movie)
Rahe Shiri (2009)
Dar Entezare Mojeze (2009)
Shirin (2008)
Khak e Ashena (aka Earthbound) (2008)
Sarzamin-e Sabz (2007, TV Series)
Parkway (2007)
Khoon bazi (aka Mainline) (2006)
Telesm Shodegan (2003, TV Series)
Khanei ruye ab (aka A House Built on Water) (2002)
Pedar-e Khak (2001 TV Series)
Velayate Eshgh (2000, TV Series)
Eteraz (aka Protest) (2000)
Zendegi (1997)
Hotel Karton (aka Cardboard Hotel) (1997)
Kimia (1995)
Baanoo (aka The Lady, released in 1999) (1992)
Hamoun (1990)