“Growing up without a father was difficult. It is twice as hard for girls. We are very grateful that my father raised us in such a way that neither my sister nor I have needed anyone. We were raised like boys. He always told us to strive to achieve our goals in life. He taught us these traits from childhood. Maybe that’s why today we stand firmly on our own feet. When we lost my father, I was 15 and my sister was 11 years old. My mother was left alone at the age of 40. It was difficult for her and for us as well. But I want to note that neither my mother’s mother—my grandmother, nor my uncle made us feel the absence of a father. Thanks to my mother’s relatives, we never felt one-winged. Life prepares us for all kinds of hardships and also tests us. We are very grateful that today my sister, I, and our family proudly carry the “Khanizade” surname. Wherever we go, whoever sees us stands up and remembers my father.”
This was said to Medianews.az by the late artist, actor, honored artist Hamlet Khanizade’s daughter Aygun Khanizade.
She then stated that the younger generation does not recognize the distinguished artists: “The youth of today do not know my father very well. Those who are interested, who read, who watch his films might know him. Everything has changed. Our environment and surroundings have changed. We try to adapt. Sometimes I think we should never forget our past and our history. The new generation of youth does not know many of our actors and directors; they do not watch our old films. I would really like there to be promotions in this direction. Our films are such an example. I want interest to increase. Whoever remembers my father's birthday and memorial days, thank you. Some artists are completely forgotten. But it has been 36 years since my father's death and every year, 4-5 times a year, he is remembered. Since I work in the theater myself, a few jubilees have been held at the Academic National Drama Theater. This year will mark the 80th anniversary. The memories of not only my father but all the artists are honored in our theater. I hope my father's jubilee will also be celebrated. I am very proud to be Hamlet Khanizade’s daughter. He is still remembered today with beautiful words. I thank each of them.”
Aygun Khanizade also shared a strange incident that happened years ago with us:
“I manage the official Facebook page opened in my father's name. There a television worker had written that he wanted to invite Teacher Hamlet to a program. I was at work, there was some free time. At that time, I corresponded a bit with him. I asked him about the subject. That person said the topic would be about theater, cinema. This issue happened 5-6 years ago. I still have that message. I asked him if he had detailed information about me. He said yes, they know me very well. I realized he didn’t even know who he was writing to. I wrote to him that my father passed away 13 days after the January 20 events. I sent him the Wikipedia page and said if you don’t know, read this carefully. At that moment he changed his words and said that they want to make a program about Teacher Hamlet. After that, there were 1-2 more people like that.”
Ali Asgar,
Medianews.az
