Nabi Rahimov

Rahimov Nabi (Nov 7, 1911, Kokand – Nov 23, 1994, Tashkent) – People's Artist of Uzbekistan (1950). He studied at the drama studio attached to the Uzbek State Drama Theater (1929). From the age of 14, he participated in performances at the Kokand Theater. He worked at the Hamza Theater from 1929 to 1994. Rahimov played character and comedic roles with particular success, though his repertoire also ranged from dramatic tragic figures to lyrical heroes. In his stage portrayals, the traditions of the national folk theater were harmoniously combined with modern professional artistic experience.

The characters he created were defined by quick-wittedness, sharpness of speech, humor, and an aptitude for improvisation, notable for their vibrant national color, light humor, clear external expression, and impeccable performance. Although Rahimov began his career as a comedic and character actor, he later adopted the best qualities of all existing directions and integrated them into his own style. In the 1930s–50s, he created roles such as Norboyvachcha in "Xolisxon," Boltaboy in "The Mother," Rippofratta in "The Mistress of the Inn," Khlestakov in "The Government Inspector," Bobchinsky in "The Marriage," Qo'ziyev in "The Silk Suzani," Marasul in "Aching Teeth," and Laertes in "Hamlet." In particular, his portrayal of Iago in "Othello" is among the finest roles created by the actor. The role of Iago in the actor's work is an example not only of satirical character but also of intense psychological dramatic experience. His 1960s roles, such as Bo'riboy ("Uncle and Nephews"), Bobo Kayfiy ("Mirzo Ulugbek"), Shokir Ota ("The Sacred Blood"), and Albany ("King Lear"), are among his best psychologically powerful performances. His later roles, such as Urganjiy ("Bukhara"), Sayd Karimov ("The Commission"), Father ("The Strangers"), and Sa'diyev ("The Thirteenth Chairman"), are worthy of special attention for their social acuteness, physical restraint, spiritual intensity, and deep psychological interpretation. The role of Urganjiy is one of the most complex and mature performances by Rahimov. The actor's keen performance, his ability to bring out complex psychological experiences, and his achievement of great meaning through understated tones are noteworthy.

Rahimov Nabi made a significant contribution to the development of Uzbek cinema: he earned a place in the golden fund of cinema with roles such as Aliyev ("We'll Meet at the Stadium"), Turdiyev ("I Am Your Fan"), the Teahouse Keeper ("Apples of 1941"), Bobo Kayfiy ("Star of Ulugbek"), Shoqosim ("The Sacred Blood"), Usta Olim ("Days Gone By"), the King ("Semurg"), Safar the Weaver ("Scorpion from the Altar"), Usta Boqi ("Revolt of the Brides"), and others. He also appeared in video films and television plays: "The Sacred Blood" (Yormat Ota), "Dignity" (Prof. Shobaratov), "Everything Remains to the People" (Acad. Drozdov), "Babur" (Muhammadjon), and others. Video essays titled "Two Days in the Life of Nabi Rahimov" and "Meeting" have been produced about him. He taught at the Institute of Arts from 1950 to 1965.

Laureate of the Hamza State Prize of Uzbekistan (1967).

Ref.: Rizaev O., Nabi Rahimov, T., 1997. Omonulla Rizaev.