While many singers stayed quiet to avoid state scrutiny, Tataloo seemed to lean into controversy. His music videos — often flashy, tattoo-laden, and provocative — became a symbol of rebellion. For some, he was a hero who gave voice to their frustrations. For others, he was reckless, even offensive. One of the strangest turns in Tataloo’s career came in 2015, when he released Energy Hastei (“Nuclear Energy”). The track openly supported Iran’s right to nuclear power and featured a dramatic video shot aboard a Navy ship.
This move baffled many of his fans. Until then, he had been seen as a rebellious outsider but here he was, appearing to align himself with a nationalist, even hardline, state message. Some argued it was a survival tactic to gain protection. Others felt it showed Tataloo’s unpredictable personality a man caught between rebellion and conformity, willing to play both sides.
