President Ilham Aliyev has signed an obituary regarding the death of People’s Artist Rasim Balayev.
“Elchi” reports that the obituary states:
A great loss has occurred to the Azerbaijani cultural community. A prominent representative of national cinema art, Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan, individual pensioner of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, State Prize laureate, People’s Artist Rasim Ahmad oglu Balayev passed away on March 29, 2026, in the 78th year of his life.
Rasim Balayev was born on August 8, 1948, in the city of Agsu. After graduating from high school, he studied at the acting faculty of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts from 1965–1969, and worked as an actor at the Training Theater of the same institute from 1969–1972.
Since 1972, Rasim Balayev was an actor at the “Azerbaijanfilm” film studio, and at the same time, from 1990, he held the position of first secretary of the board of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan, and in 2022, he was elected chairman of the Union.
Known as a talented actor from his early days at the “Azerbaijanfilm” film studio, Rasim Balayev quickly won the hearts of cinema enthusiasts thanks to his unique acting style and high stage culture. His memorable characters, brought to life on screen with great impact, were always warmly received by a wide audience.
As an artist who masterfully utilized the bright traditions of Azerbaijani cinema, Rasim Balayev’s creative path constitutes a special stage in the history of national film culture. The films in which he played leading roles are included in the golden fund of Azerbaijani cinema. The colorful characters brought to life by the artist, deeply penetrating the moral world of the image, are among the unforgettable pages of our film chronicle. These unique characters, created with innate talent, have always stood out for their originality and remained in the spotlight.
The master artist succeeded in creating a picture of the era while bringing to life on screen the images of our heroic historical past and our contemporaries. All these roles played by Rasim Balayev are of great importance in promoting our nation’s national and spiritual values and in educating the growing young generation in the spirit of loyalty to the homeland. The legendary characters of Babek and Nasimi, portrayed by the artist, are considered particularly great achievements of Azerbaijani cinematography.
Rasim Balayev also demonstrated his artistic skill by creating memorable characters in films screened beyond the borders of Azerbaijan.
Approaching the processes occurring in society with a deep sense of civic duty, Rasim Balayev was also known as a public figure. He spared no effort or ability to preserve and perpetuate our national and spiritual values.
Rasim Balayev’s services in the field of national cinema culture development have been duly appreciated. In various years, he was awarded high state awards and honorary titles, and was decorated with the “Shohrat” (Glory), “Sharaf” (Honor), and “Istiglal” (Independence) orders, which are among the highest awards of independent Azerbaijan.
The bright memory of the prominent artist, caring and humble person Rasim Balayev will always live in the hearts of our people.
May Allah have mercy on him!
İlham Əliyev
Mehriban Əliyeva
Əli Əsədov
Sahibə Qafarova
Samir Nuriyev
Eldar Əzizov
Fərəh Əliyeva
Adil Kərimli
Polad Bülbüloğlu
Anar Rzayev
Hacı İsmayılov
Şəfiqə Məmmədova
Oqtay Mirqasımov
Fəxrəddin Manafov