People's Artist Rasim Balayev passes away

People's Artist of Azerbaijan, the renowned actor Rasim Balayev, has passed away. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the news was confirmed to APA by Ali Isa Jabbarov, Secretary of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan.

According to official statements, the actor passed away in a clinic in Türkiye where he had been undergoing medical treatment for an ongoing illness. Details regarding the repatriation of his body to Baku and the funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Culture and the Union of Cinematographers in the coming hours.

Rasim Balayev was one of the most iconic figures in Azerbaijani cinema and theater history. Born in 1948 in Aghsu, he gained national and international fame for his masterful portrayals of historical figures, most notably as the lead in the epic films "Nasimi" and "Babek." Throughout his career, he was a recipient of numerous state awards, including the Shohrat (Glory) and Sharaf (Honor) orders, for his exceptional contributions to the development of Azerbaijani culture and cinematography.