Serge Rezvani, a multifaceted and talented French artist, whose creative endeavors spanned multiple disciplines, including painting, engraving, writing, and music composition, was born Cyrus Rezvani in the year 1928.
Born in the vibrant city of Tehran, Iran, Rezvani is the proud offspring of a Persian father, Medjid-Khan Rezvani, and a Jewish mother who had made the courageous decision to leave her native Russia in search of new opportunities. At the tender age of seven, Rezvani's life took a dramatic turn when his mother, determined to provide a brighter future for her son, relocated to France. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a new chapter in Rezvani's life, as he found himself surrounded by a foreign language and culture. To make matters more challenging, Rezvani's only means of communication at the time was his native Russian, which he had yet to master. However, he soon found solace in the boarding school for Russian immigrants, where he would go on to learn the French language and lay the foundation for his future successes.
Noted author and multi-talented creative Rezvani has amassed an impressive literary and musical repertoire, comprising a staggering output of over 40 novels, 15 plays, and two poetry collections. This remarkable body of work also includes more than 150 original songs, with one particularly iconic composition, "Le Tourbillon," famously performed by the incomparable Jeanne Moreau in the classic film "Jules and Jim". Rezvani, however, opted to publish these songs under his pseudonym Cyrus Bassiak, a name that translates to "barefoot" in Russian, showcasing his versatility and flair for artistic experimentation.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Rezvani has also ventured into the realm of film, penning two songs for the 1965 French New Wave classic "Pierrot le fou", which were brought to life by the talents of Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina, cementing his status as a true Renaissance man.
Notwithstanding his numerous and diverse accomplishments as a filmmaker, Rezvani has also had to confront and cope with profound personal loss and tragedy. One such instance of sorrow was the passing of his first wife, Lula, who succumbed to the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease in the year 2004. This devastating event would ultimately serve as a catalyst for Rezvani to reconnect with French actress Marie-José Nat, who at the time was the widow of the renowned filmmaker Michel Drach.
Interestingly, both couples had previously crossed paths and had a brief encounter in the 1960s, which would ultimately prove to be a precursor to their rekindled romance. Rezvani and Nat would eventually tie the knot on September 30, 2005, marking a new chapter in his life.
