Popularly nicknamed Jahân Pahlevân (جهان پهلوان; "The World Champion")[2] because of his chivalrous behavior and sportsmanship (Javanmardi in Iranian culture),[3] he was the most popular athlete of Iran in the 20th century, although dozens of Iranian athletes have won more international medals than he did.

When he was called up for military service, his potential in wrestling was discovered and he began to train seriously after he was recruited as an Iran Railways employee in 1948.

[4] Takhti tended to act fairly when competing against rivals during his career, something which originated from traditional values of Zurkhaneh, a kind of heroic behaviour that epitomizes chivalrous qualities known as Javanmardi.

He was a pro-Mossadegh activist and member of Second National Front and his death sparked a number of anti-Shah demonstrations.

Already one of Iran's biggest stars, he began to walk one of the main avenues of Tehran, helping out the victims and asking for assistance.

[7] However, some claim that he was murdered because of his political activities against the Pahlavi regime, accusing SAVAK, the Iranian intelligence agency at that time.

[8] Towfigh issued a special edition of their popular weekly magazine on January 14, 1968, where they caricatured Takhti with angel wings flying high above the throngs of Iranian mourners at his own funeral with a caption that read "Don't cry for me, cry for yourselves."

Takhti is buried at Ebn-e Babooyeh cemetery in Southern part of Tehran, near Shahr-e Ray, where he is commemorated every year by his fans.

[9][10] Two days before his death Takhti created his will transferring the guardianship of his son to a colleague and instructions on what to do with his properties.