The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a necrology regarding the death of People's Artist Rasim Balayev.
According to Medianews.az-, the text states:
"A heavy loss has occurred to the Azerbaijani cultural community. The prominent representative of national cinema art, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Filmmakers' Union, personal pensioner of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, laureate of the State Prize, People's Artist Rasim Ahmad oghlu Balayev passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 78.
Rasim Balayev was born on August 8, 1948, in the city of Agsu. After finishing secondary school, he studied in the acting faculty of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts from 1965 to 1969, and from 1969 to 1972 he worked as an actor in the Teaching Theater of the same institute.
Since 1972, Rasim Balayev had been an actor at the "Azerbaijanfilm" film studio, and simultaneously from 1990 he held the position of first secretary of the Board of the Azerbaijan Filmmakers' Union, and in 2022 he was elected Chairman of the Union.
From his early days at the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio, Rasim Balayev was recognized as a talented actor. Thanks to his distinctive acting style and high stage culture, he quickly found a place in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts. The memorable roles he brought to life on screen, which had great impact, have always been warmly received by a wide audience.
As an artist who skillfully utilized the bright traditions of Azerbaijani cinema art, the creative path of Rasim Balayev constitutes a special stage in the history of national cinema culture. Films in which he played leading roles are part of the golden fund of Azerbaijani cinema. The diverse characters created by the artist, deeply penetrating the spiritual world of the role, are among the unforgettable pages of our film chronicle. These unique characters, created with innate talent, have always stood out with their uniqueness and been in the center of attention.
The master artist succeeded in creating a picture of the era while portraying characters of our heroic historical past as well as contemporaries. All the roles played by Rasim Balayev are of great importance in promoting the national-spiritual values of our people and in educating the young generation in the spirit of loyalty to the homeland. The legendary characters Babek and Nasimi, performed by the artist, are considered among the greatest achievements of Azerbaijani cinematography.
Rasim Balayev also demonstrated his artistic skill by creating memorable roles in films made outside the borders of Azerbaijan.
Rasim Balayev was known as a public figure with a deep civic feeling toward the processes occurring in social life. He did not spare his strength and ability to protect and preserve our national and spiritual values.
Rasim Balayev's services in the development of national cinema culture have been duly appreciated. Over the years, he was awarded various high state awards and honorary titles, and was decorated with the orders of "Glory," "Honor," and "Independence," which are among the highest awards of independent Azerbaijan.
The bright memory of the renowned artist, caring and modest person Rasim Balayev will always live in the hearts of our people.
May God rest his soul!
A heavy loss has occurred to the Azerbaijani cultural community. The prominent representative of national cinema art, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Filmmakers' Union, personal pensioner of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, laureate of the State Prize, People's Artist Rasim Ahmad oghlu Balayev passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 78.
Rasim Balayev was born on August 8, 1948, in the city of Agsu. After finishing secondary school, he studied in the acting faculty of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts from 1965 to 1969, and from 1969 to 1972 he worked as an actor in the Teaching Theater of the same institute.
Since 1972, Rasim Balayev had been an actor at the "Azerbaijanfilm" film studio, and simultaneously from 1990 he held the position of first secretary of the Board of the Azerbaijan Filmmakers' Union, and in 2022 he was elected Chairman of the Union.
From his early days at the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio, Rasim Balayev was recognized as a talented actor. Thanks to his distinctive acting style and high stage culture, he quickly found a place in the hearts of cinema enthusiasts. The memorable roles he brought to life on screen, which had great impact, have always been warmly received by a wide audience.
As an artist who skillfully utilized the bright traditions of Azerbaijani cinema art, the creative path of Rasim Balayev constitutes a special stage in the history of national cinema culture. Films in which he played leading roles are part of the golden fund of Azerbaijani cinema. The diverse characters created by the artist, deeply penetrating the spiritual world of the role, are among the unforgettable pages of our film chronicle. These unique characters, created with innate talent, have always stood out with their uniqueness and been in the center of attention.
The master artist succeeded in creating a picture of the era while portraying characters of our heroic historical past as well as contemporaries. All the roles played by Rasim Balayev are of great importance in promoting the national-spiritual values of our people and in educating the young generation in the spirit of loyalty to the homeland. The legendary characters Babek and Nasimi, performed by the artist, are considered among the greatest achievements of Azerbaijani cinematography.
Rasim Balayev also demonstrated his artistic skill by creating memorable roles in films made outside the borders of Azerbaijan.
Rasim Balayev was known as a public figure with a deep civic feeling toward the processes occurring in social life. He did not spare his strength and ability to protect and preserve our national and spiritual values.
Rasim Balayev's services in the development of national cinema culture have been duly appreciated. Over the years, he was awarded various high state awards and honorary titles, and was decorated with the orders of "Glory," "Honor," and "Independence," which are among the highest awards of independent Azerbaijan.
The bright memory of the renowned artist, caring and modest person Rasim Balayev will always live in the hearts of our people.
May God rest his soul!
Ilham Aliyev
Mehriban Aliyeva
Ali Asadov
Sahiba Gafarova
Samir Nuriyev
Eldar Azizov
Farah Aliyeva
Adil Kerimli
Polad Bulbuloglu
Anar Rzayev
Haji Ismayilov
Shafika Mammadova
Oqtay Mirgasimov
Fakhraddin Manafov