The 1945 film adaptation of The Cloth Peddler established Rashid Behbudov as a prominent figure in Azerbaijani culture. By securing the lead role of Asgar, he leveraged his vocal range and theatrical training to achieve national recognition. This performance served as the foundation for a career spanning opera, popular music, and international concert tours throughout the mid-twentieth century.
Early Career and Theatrical Training
Born in 1915 in Tbilisi, Behbudov grew up in a household with a musical background, as his father was the singer Majid Behbudov. He began his professional career working at the Philharmonic Theater in Yerevan, where he remained from 1934 until 1944. During the mid-1940s, he initiated a creative partnership with composer and pianist Tofig Guliyev, which preceded his relocation to Baku in 1945. This period solidified his transition from theatre to the broader cinematic and musical stage.
International Performance and Repertoire
Behbudov’s vocal versatility allowed him to perform in numerous languages, including Russian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Georgian. His ability to navigate both classical opera and popular lyrical songs facilitated an extensive touring schedule that reached audiences in Turkey, Iran, China, India, Japan, and parts of Latin America. Beyond his live performances, he was active in film, starring in productions such as Bakhtiar in 1955 and The 1001st Tour in 1974.
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In 1966, he founded the State Song Theater, where he served as both a soloist and the artistic manager. His administrative and political contributions were recognized through his role as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. Behbudov received numerous honors, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1959 and the Hero of Socialist Labour in 1980. He was awarded the Order of Lenin twice, in 1976 and 1980.
Legacy
Following his death in 1989 in Moscow, Behbudov was interred at the Alley of Honor. His influence persists in Baku, where a monument was erected in his memory in 2016 in front of the State Song Theater that carries his name. Furthermore, a street in the city was renamed in his honor in 1991. His family included his wife, Jeyran Behbudova, and his daughter, opera singer Rashida Rashid.
Fast facts
- Born: 1915, Tbilisi
- Died: 1989, Moscow
- Primary Occupations: Singer, Actor, Politician
- Notable Film: The Cloth Peddler (1945)
- Cultural Awards: Hero of Socialist Labour (1980)
- Significant Institution: State Song Theater (founded 1966)
- Burial Site: Alley of Honor
- Known Languages: Azerbaijani, Russian, Armenian, Georgian
Questions readers ask
What was Rashid Behbudov’s most famous film role?
He is best known for portraying Asgar in the 1945 film The Cloth Peddler.
Did he hold political office?
Yes, he served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union.
Where can one visit a monument dedicated to him?
A monument was erected in 2016 in front of the State Song Theater in Baku.
Achievements
- Order of Lenin — 1976
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour — 1966
- Order of Friendship of Peoples — 1985
- State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR — 1978
- Instruments: piano, tar and voice
- Genres: folk music and opera
