The Journey of Late Blooming: Babak Karimi’s Approach to Creativity in Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri
In the latest episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, Babak Karimi, an acclaimed Iranian actor, editor, and filmmaker, shared his profound insights on the creative process, late-blooming success, and the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties. This conversation gave a glimpse into the mind of a multifaceted artist whose journey has been anything but conventional. Babak Karimi’s reflections offer a valuable lesson to creatives worldwide—that creativity is a never-ending process and late success is a natural progression when aligned with personal growth and self-awareness.
Born into Creativity: The Foundation
Babak Karimi was born into an artistic family. His father, Nosrat Karimi, was a renowned director, sculptor, and actor, while his mother, Alem Danayi, was a theater actress. Growing up in this environment naturally fostered Babak’s passion for cinema and the arts, shaping his creative journey from a young age. However, despite this early exposure, Karimi’s story is not one of instant success. Instead, his path to global recognition was a slow, thoughtful process, marked by self-discovery and a constant quest to push creative boundaries.
Karimi recalls that his passion for cinema and filmmaking was not confined to acting. He was also deeply involved in film editing, a craft he honed while studying cinema in Italy. Exposure to European neorealism and modern trends shaped his work, blending Iranian and global cinematic approaches. Throughout his career, Karimi has worked in multiple roles, from cinematography to directing and editing. His most memorable roles have been in collaboration with Iran’s most celebrated directors, such as Asghar Farhadi, Abbas Kiarostami, and Shahram Mokri.
Creativity: An Ongoing, Intuitive Process
A central theme in Karimi’s interview was his view of creativity as a continuous, instinctive process. Karimi likens creativity to “a flash of lightning in the dark,” a moment of clarity and illumination that comes when least expected. He emphasizes that creativity is not bound by logic or linear thinking; instead, it thrives on curiosity, intuition, and spontaneity. This philosophy has guided him throughout his life, leading to his most significant creative breakthroughs.
Karimi describes his creative process as one that is often fueled by situations in which there is no turning back. For example, he draws a parallel between his approach to creativity and the war strategies of Napoleon, who would destroy the bridges behind his troops, leaving them no choice but to move forward. Similarly, Karimi places himself in challenging, high-stakes situations that force him to act and innovate. This method, he believes, propels him to push past his boundaries and explore uncharted territory in his work.
In his interview, Karimi shares that creativity is not separate from life but is integrated into every aspect of it. He explains that he often finds inspiration in the most unexpected places, whether overhearing a conversation on the subway or catching a glimpse of a winding dirt road that calls him to explore the unknown. These spontaneous moments, Karimi explains, are signs from the universe that guide him on his creative journey.
Late Blooming: A Natural Phase of Growth
One of the most inspiring aspects of Babak Karimi’s career is his late-blooming success. Although he began acting at the age of ten, it wasn’t until he was 51 that he “made it” in the eyes of the world. His role in A Separation by Asghar Farhadi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, catapulted him to international fame. His portrayal of the judge in the film earned him the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival, solidifying his place in the global cinema landscape.
Karimi’s reflections on late blooming echo the stories of other renowned artists, such as Samuel L. Jackson and Morgan Freeman, who also found fame later in life. He believes that significant career achievements can happen at any stage, often as a result of accumulated life experiences and self-awareness. Karimi’s narrative serves as a reminder that there is no expiration date on success and that creative fulfillment can come at any point in life.
The Responsibility of Success
With success comes responsibility, and Karimi is acutely aware of the weight that his professional achievements carry. He speaks candidly about the pressure that followed his success in A Separation and how it changed people’s perception of him. Despite the accolades and attention, Karimi remains grounded, reminding himself not to let fame distort his authenticity or passion for the craft.
In the Cozy Corner interview, Karimi emphasizes that his approach to art has always been one of exploration and discovery. He explains that he doesn’t approach his work with the goal of being noticed or gaining fame. Instead, his focus is on the creative process itself—on the joy of discovery and the expression of intangible emotions. He advises younger artists to avoid the trap of seeking recognition for its own sake, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the craft and embrace the uncertainties that come with it.
Karimi’s humility in the face of success is one of the key takeaways from his conversation with Hossein Nasiri. He views his awards and recognition as temporary moments of validation but remains focused on the next challenge. For him, the creative process is far more important than the accolades that may come with it.
Embracing Risk and Failure
A crucial part of Karimi’s creative philosophy is the idea that failure and risk-taking are essential to personal and professional growth. Throughout his career, Karimi has never shied away from taking risks, whether it was switching from editing to acting or tackling complex and unconventional roles. He believes that artists must be willing to embrace uncertainty and failure in order to push the boundaries of their creativity.
Karimi shares an anecdote about a climber who, stranded in a dangerous situation, chose to take a seemingly impossible leap to survive. This metaphor highlights the idea that when all other options are closed off, taking a risk may be the only way forward. For Karimi, this sense of urgency and necessity often fuels his creative endeavors, forcing him to break through boundaries and discover new possibilities.
This willingness to face challenges head-on is a recurring theme in Karimi’s career. He explains that he has often put himself in situations where there was no safe or easy way out, compelling him to confront his fears and push beyond his comfort zone. This approach, he argues, is what has allowed him to grow as an artist and continuously evolve his craft.
The Journey is More Important than the Destination
One of the most profound insights Karimi shares in his interview is his belief that the journey and process of creative work are far more significant than the destination or outcome. He views his creative endeavors as an ongoing adventure, one that is constantly shaped by life’s unpredictable twists and turns. For Karimi, the destination is merely an excuse to embark on the journey, and the real value lies in the experiences and discoveries made along the way.
This philosophy is reflected in the way Karimi approaches his projects. He explains that he often doesn’t have a specific goal in mind when he begins a creative endeavor. Instead, he follows his intuition and allows the work to unfold naturally, paying close attention to the signs and opportunities that present themselves along the way. This openness to the unknown has led him to some of his most significant creative breakthroughs, both in his personal life and professional career.
Conclusion: Creativity as a Lifelong Journey
Babak Karimi’s conversation with Hossein Nasiri on Cozy Corner offers a wealth of insights for anyone navigating the creative process. His reflections on late blooming, the importance of curiosity, and the necessity of embracing uncertainty provide valuable lessons for artists of all disciplines. Karimi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that creativity is not a destination but a lifelong journey—one that requires constant exploration, risk-taking, and self-discovery.
For Karimi, the pursuit of art is about much more than fame or recognition. It is a deeply personal and intuitive process, one that allows him to express emotions and connect with audiences on a profound level. His late-blooming success is a testament to the idea that creative fulfillment can come at any stage of life, and his willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties has allowed him to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
As Karimi continues to work in both Iranian and international cinema, his story serves as an inspiration to creatives everywhere. His message is clear: stay curious, embrace the unknown, and never stop exploring the endless possibilities that creativity has to offer.
