People's Artist of Azerbaijan, famous actor Mokhsun Jafarov (Sanani)
Our prominent, renowned, and beloved actor, Mohsun Sadig oglu Sanani (Jafarov), was born on June 19, 1900, in Tiflis’s "Sheytanbazar" neighborhood. After losing his parents at a young age, Mohsun was raised by his grandmother. He began his education at a madrasa in 1906. His grandmother hoped he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a mullah or a marsiyakhan. However, after losing his grandmother in 1908, Mohsun and his sister had to live under the care of their aunt, Molla Ziynat Khanum. Although Ziynat Khanum welcomed them as her children and cared for them, the large size of the family posed some financial challenges. Mohsun began working in "Sheytanbazarr" to support the family in 1909, enduring various hardships.
Mohsun's passion for acting developed from a young age as he eagerly observed performances by local theaters and actors who came to Tiflis for tours. He stepped onto the stage for the first time in 1911, receiving a warm reception from the audience. In 1915, Mohsun Sanani was recruited by the Tiflis troupe. That same year, he was cast as the blacksmith Kave's son in the play "Kaveyi-Ahangar," produced with the participation of Huseyn Arablinski. He skillfully delivered the role. M. Sanani worked with the Tiflis theater troupe from 1915 to 1920.
In 1921, Mohsun Sanani arrived in Baku and began to pursue his beloved art at the Azerbaijan State Drama Theater. Sharing the stage with renowned actors, Sanani gained significant experience. He was entrusted with the role of Eldar in the play "Vagif" (by Samad Vurghun) and delivered a remarkable performance that earned him great admiration from the audience.
Despite his youth, he was entrusted with significant roles such as Heydar Bey ("Haji Gara"), Suleyman Bey, Vali ("Arshin Mal Alan"), Hambal ("Mashadi Ibad"), Rzagulu ("Nadir Shah"), and Cassio ("Othello"). These roles brought great fame to Sanani.
Mohsun Sanani continued his success from the stage into the film industry. He elevated the art of acting to its highest peak with his performances in films such as "Shadows Crawl," "Battle in the Mountains," and "Koroghlu." His memorable portrayals of Eldar in "Peasants" and Gochu Asgar in "If Not That One, Then This One" have left an indelible mark on audiences. Additionally, he created unforgettable characters in films like "Sabuhi," "Bakhtiyar," "Two Boys from the Same District," and "Under the Scorching Sun," among others.
In the film "Battle in the Mountains" (1967), which holds a significant place in the prominent actor's body of work, he is portrayed as a dignified, kind, and caring father and a responsible head of the family. Gambar’s character embodies qualities not unfamiliar to Mohsun Sanani, as he was a person in real life with similar attributes.
For his dramatic and comedic roles in theater and film, he was awarded the honorary title of "People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR" on July 21, 1949, and the title of "Honored Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR" on June 17, 1943. He also received the "Order of the Red Banner of Labor" on June 11, 1980, the "Order of Friendship of Peoples" on August 1, 1975, the "Order of the Badge of Honour" on June 9, 1959, and the "Veteran of Labor" medal on September 29, 1976. His natural talent and care for the younger generation endeared him to the public.
Mohsun Sanani, who dedicated 50 years of his life to the stage, passed away on February 11, 1981, and was buried in the II Alley of Honor.
Recommended literature:
- Bayramov, Adilxan Hüseynəli oğlu. Sənət, sənət məbədləri, sənət fədailəri / A. H. Bayramov ; red. T. Vəliyev. - Bakı : Vətənoğlu NPŞ MMC, 2015. - 336 s.
- Hüseynoğlu, Sərvaz. Möhsün Sənani / S. Hüseynoğlu. - Bakı : Şərq-Qərb, 2017. - 144 s.
- Dağıstanlı, İsmayıl Yusif oğlu. Möhsün Sənani: 60 /İ. Dağıstanlı ; red. M. Məmmədov. - Bakı: Azərb. Teatr Cəmiyyəti, 1961. - 63 s.