Renowned filmmaker and actor Shahmar Alakbarov
Shahmar Zulfugar oghlu Alakbarov was born on August 23, 1943, in Ganja, Azerbaijan. His father, Zulfugar, was originally from the Jabrayil district, and his mother, Izulat Khanum, came from a region near Tbilisi. When Shahmar was nine years old, the family moved from Ganja to Baku, where he continued his education.
In 1964, he graduated from the Faculty of Acting at the Azerbaijan State Theater Institute, studying under Professor Rza Tahmasib. While still in his third year, he was accepted into the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre, where he began gaining recognition for his strong performances in a variety of stage productions. His growing success in theatre soon attracted the attention of the film industry. At the invitation of renowned director Adil Isgandarov, Alakbarov joined the Studio of Screen Acting under the "Azerbaijanfilm" film studio. In a short time, he became one of the most memorable figures in Azerbaijani cinema. Shahmar Alakbarov captured the hearts of audiences through his diverse and unforgettable roles in films such as "Battle in the Mountains" (Dağlarda döyüş), "Life Tests Us" (Həyat bizi sınayır), "I Want Seven Sons" (Yeddi oğul istərəm), "Golden Goose" (Qızılqaz), "I Was Not Beautiful" (Mən ki gözəl deyildim), "Gatir Mammad", "Babek", "The Stab in the Back", "Uzeyir’s Life", and "Last Night of the Year."
Alakbarov’s creative potential extended beyond acting. He fulfilled his longstanding aspiration to direct in 1987, when he co-directed, alongside Gulbaniz Azimzadeh, the film "The Examination," based on a screenplay by Anar. Although it was his first directorial experience, the film was critically acclaimed for its professional maturity. His reputation as a distinguished film director solidified further with his independently directed film, "Endless Night," based on a screenplay by Elchin, in 1989. This film resonated widely due not only to its vivid portrayal of social and psychological realities of the era but also due to the director's profound exploration of human nature and society. Alakbarov’s two-part film "Gazalkhan," directed in 1991 and based on his own screenplay, is considered one of the peaks of his artistic career.
Shahmar Alakbarov also had an active presence in television and radio. He hosted various radio programs, including the "Ulduz" ("Star") program, participated in television plays, and served as the presenter of the radio show "Molla Nasraddin." Much of his artistic career involved dubbing and voice-over work; many heroes of films produced and dubbed at "Azerbaijanfilm" spoke with his voice.
Alakbarov was awarded the honorary titles of Honored Artist in 1976 and People's Artist in 1989.
The People's Artist and State Prize Laureate Shahmar Alakbarov passed away on August 12, 1992.
Recommended literature:
- Məhərrəmov, Akif Əli oğlu. Müasir Azərbaycan kinoaktyorları /A. Məhərrəmov; ön söz müəl. M. Muradxanova; rəyçi C. Əlibəyov. - Bakı: İşıq, 1984. - 78 s.
- Hüseynov, Əlisəfdər Mürsəl oğlu. Sevgimizdən usanmayaq /Ə. Hüseynov ; red. V. Qafarov. - Bakı: Tuna, 2020. - 199 s.