Today is the birthday of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan Rasim Balayev

Today is the birthday of the People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR, Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan, holder of the "Shohrat", "Sharaf", "Istiglal" orders, actor Rasim Balayev.

Rasim Balayev was born on August 8, 1948 in Agsu district.

In 1965, he graduated from high school in Agsu, and in 1969 - from the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts. Balayev first appeared in a small role in the film Ulduzlar sönmür ("Stars Don't Fade") at the Baku Film Studio. He won the love of viewers by creating vivid characters in such films as "Nasimi", "Babek" and "Dede Gorgud".

In parallel with his activities at the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio, the actor also worked in theater.

Rasim Balayev's creative range is incredibly wide - from large-scale and complex to small roles. He played episodic roles in such films as Bu şirin söz, azadlıq ("This Sweet Word - Freedom!"), Sənin birinci saatın ("Your First Hour"), Xoşbəxtlik səhnəsi ("Scene of Happiness"), Mən hələ qayıdacağam ("I Will Return"), Birisigün gecəyarısı ("The Day After Tomorrow, at Midnight"). Balayev also acted in "Uzbekfilm", "Mosfilm" and other film studios.

In 1976, he was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist, and in 1982 - People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR. In 1986, he was awarded the State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR (for the role of Selim Bey in the feature film "Time to Saddle Horses"). In 1998, he was awarded the "Shohrat" order, and in 2018 - "Sharaf". In 2019, he was awarded the Jafar Jabbarli Prize.

On August 7, 2023, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order to award Balayev with the "Istiglal" order.

From 1990 to January 18, 2013, he was the secretary of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan.

On May 31, 2022, he was elected Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan.