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By Laman Ismayilova

Nasiba Zeynalova was truly a brilliant actress, a unique phenomenon in the history of Azerbaijani theater and film industry.

Zeynalova, who started to star at the very young age, conquered hearts of millions bringing the wonderful women to the peak of art.

She is probably the only “mother in law” loved by almost all the nation, since many remembered Nasiba as “great Azerbaijani mother in law” for her remarkable role at the same name musical comedy.

Her father was a wealthy man from a noble family and always supported the actors, paid them salaries, and tried not to break up the troupe. In his estate, Zeynalov created a large hall for rehearsals and even built there a scene.

Jahangir Zeynalov, one of the founders of the Azerbaijani theatre, was asked, before he had children: “Who will be your heir?” He replied: “For the time being, I do have an heir; our stage is the most likely child to be my heir.” A theatre figure, he believed in a great future for the theatre. He had a daughter and he named her Nasiba. Further, his daughter grew up and continued her father’s path with distinction.

However, her happiness was short-lived, as after Zeynalova lost her father at early age. The family lost everything and lived in poverty. Therefore, Nasiba had very difficult childhood and had to work since she was just 14 years old. She had to leave school to get a job.

Everything changed after the girl met famous Azerbaijani theater director Shamsi Badalbeyli, who at that time was director of the Philharmonic troupe. He could see the potential of the young girl and offered her a job.

When she was just 21, Nasiba Zeynalova already toured around Azerbaijan as part of a traveling theater group.

The legendary actress starred in 40 films and performed in dozens of plays, creating unforgettable images.

On the theatre stage, actress played the part of Jahan khala in the operetta “Arsin mal alan”, Sanam in “O olmasin bu olsun”, Kalak khanim and Malak khanim in “Young at 50”, Sharaf in “Durna”, Nargila in “Gozun aydin”, Zuleykha in “Ulduz”, Sola khanim in “We know best”, Asmat in “Our home, our secret”, Jannat in “Mother-in-law”, and others.

She also played a mother who dreams of getting her mentally challenged son Mardan married in the television series “Don’t be Scared, I am with You” by director Yuliy Gusman; the shop assistant Khanbaji in director Alakbar Muradov’s psychological drama “Execution by Bullet is Postponed”; and grandmother Masma in the comedy film “Dream” by director Fikrat Aliyev.

The military movie-essay “Our Jabis Muellim”, by director Hassan Seyidbayli, is about the difficult lives of people on the home front during the war of 1941-45; showing their everyday existence and problems. The actress’s role in this film was one of her best cinema roles of that time.

Nasiba khanim was loved by all for her beautiful acting. She was a great artist with an innate talent. Talent, enthusiasm and work – these three factors were a constant unity throughout her life and work.

Azerbaijan State Musical Theatre will mark the memory of the great actress on November 24. Many prominent cultural and art figures will pay tribute to the memory of the brilliant actress.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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