Coşqun Rəhimov: “I do not understand the purpose of those who demand novelty from us”
“One should not act like a buffoon on stage
Honored Artist Joshgun Rahimov was born on December 8, 1972, in Sumgayit. Although he graduated from the University of Culture and Arts with a degree in drama, he became famous as a comedy actor.
In 1999, he and his colleague Rafael Isgandarov created the “Bu şəhərdə” (In This City) project with the help of director Mehriban Alakbarzade. The actor has appeared in films such as “Beşmərtəbəli evin altıncı mərtəbəsi” (The Sixth Floor of a Five-Story Building), “Gəlinlər” (Brides), “Bomba” (Bomb), “Məhəllə” (Neighborhood), “Mashadi Ibad-94”, and “Tam məxfi” (Top Secret).
The master of laughter, who has been an actor of the “Bu şəhərdə” theater for many years, gave an interview to Modern.az website. We present the conversation with him:
- If you were to describe the secret to the success of the “Bu şəhərdə” project in three words, what would they be?
- To understand, to understand, to understand.
- Has it ever happened that a person you parodied reacted harshly to you? We are not just talking about emotional reactions, but also other situations: filing a lawsuit, breakdown of relationships, etc.
- No, such a situation has not occurred. Only once in my career did Orkhan Fikratoglu make a request, and we met him with understanding. We parody individuals as a friendly caricature. We analyze these characters as well-known figures, in a friendly manner. Our goal is not to investigate and expose anyone's dark or reprehensible sides. So, as you said, there cannot be a serious conflict, because we imitate, not insult. We would not want to make enemies for ourselves.
- There are claims that the "Bu şəhərdə" project is no longer funny. Could there be a farewell concert for the project? Do you have a plan to switch to a new format? Or could it be an entirely different project?
- I am aware of such claims. You know, let the youth bring new projects, new breath. We, on the other hand, intend to maintain classical estrada in a synthesis with classical times.
The estrada genre is multifaceted. It includes theater, music, character diversity, performance dances, and so on.
I do not understand the purpose of those who demand novelty from us. What new can be done in the estrada genre?
Our parody is appropriate, our reaction to social problems and current topics is appropriate, traditional family relationships are also appropriate. Those who dislike it should contact us once and state their specific requests. Should we swear, go below the belt, or insult? Absolutely not, we will not do that!
Our audience is family. Anyone can leave their mother, wife, or sister at our show and go about their business.
- When the audience laughs, what do you feel on stage: relief, victory, or greater responsibility?
- Do you know how difficult it is to make the audience laugh? How much effort we put in when writing the script and conceiving the characters. Although we approach it through the prism of humor, we work on problems, and these problems are internally very heavy for us. Like the difficulties in individuals' lives, we also feel these difficulties within ourselves.
Our job is to convey a message. We are not performing in a circus to make people laugh for the sake of laughter, to exaggerate or magnify something. It is true that satire loves caricature, but only when it is precise and appropriate.
- Some critics say that “Bu şəhərdə” has been unable to break out of the same framework and change its humor for many years: does it only portray female roles? What can you say about this?
- In female roles, we strive to be completely in character, from head to toe. This is a success for us. It means that we create female roles at a high level. Some actresses even tell us that they cannot perform as women on stage as well as we do. You know, perhaps because we play this character with precision, we are in the foreground in the audience's eyes. But we also have plenty of male roles.
- Which character is the most difficult for you to play, and why?
- Now I am not at an age to call any scene difficult. I am already at a professional stage. My brain has become computerized. How to play a certain character, what needs to be done to differentiate them from each other, is automatically executed. If it comes to difficulty, all of them are responsible, all of them must be liked.
- Have there been moments during a performance when you were made to laugh and found it difficult to maintain your composure on stage?
- Many, many times. Fortunately, our genre and audience accept this.
An actor's natural laughter is accepted by the audience.
- Presumably, there are creative disputes within your team as well. Who makes the final decision?
- A common denominator. All three of us make decisions. That is why we are a team.
- How many employees does the “Bu şəhərdə” theater have? Are there any complaints about salaries?
- During concerts, there are 60-70 employees. The permanent staff of the project consists of 12 people. Regarding salaries, thank God, no one has turned away and left yet.
This is a job that the collective enjoys.
- In your opinion, what does the Azerbaijani audience laugh at more today - domestic problems, social criticism, or absurdity?
- Let's make a slight correction here. An audience is one thing, a crowd is another. Unfortunately, we often prioritize the opinion of the crowd. Not everyone watching may have an understanding of the symphonic stage, nor are they obliged to.
As for what they laugh at, it seems to me that the audience still laughs more at socio-domestic problems.
- Do your relations with the actors of "Parni iz Baku" continue?
- We had joint projects in the past, which we completed. However, we have not been permanent collaborators with each other, nor have we had an agreement to unite and create a theater to be permanently together. When it comes to relationships, nowadays even brothers don't have relationships with each other, let alone one production company with another. Everyone is busy with their own work, may everyone's work be successful.
- Does humor have a “red line”? Which topics are untouchable for you?
- As I said before, insult, swearing, inappropriate jokes.
This style is a wave coming from Turkish films. Look at Turkish films made years ago, for example, the character "Şaban". There is swearing there too. But our national characteristic is different.
- To what extent is Joshgun Rahimov different on stage and in real life?
- What happens on stage stays on stage. Joshgun in real life is a person living with his own concerns. Shopping, taking grandchildren to school and bringing them back, work, etc...
- If you weren't an actor, what profession would you choose?
- I have been in this profession since childhood. All branches of art are dear to me. I have a musical education, and I provide most of the sketches for the "Bu şəhərdə" project myself.
A character is created when an actor can create himself, becoming his own sculptor.
- Have you ever regretted playing a certain character or parodying someone to this day?
- Let me say this about Konul Karimova. When I parodied her, she approached it very cautiously. She was afraid. This fear created a barrier for me.
- Do you have an expectation of becoming a People's Artist?
- It's ripe, it's time. I have done many things until now, and I will, God willing, do more in the future.
- We would like to ask about the changes in our comedies: now and in the 90s. What can you say? How do you assess the current level of Azerbaijani comedy?
- I am not against modern comedy. Let there be many groups, but they should not lose sincerity. They should not create disgust in the audience.
As I mentioned, swearing is more a matter of internal censorship, upbringing, and what comes from home.
For comedy to be comedy, it is not necessary to hint at anything below the belt. Rafael and I have played husband and wife roles so many times... We have portrayed the pure side of family relationships. There has been no hint of any vulgar topic, yet true comedy has been created.
- How has audience taste changed in the last 10 years?
- Our audience is still tasteful, as before. They always appreciate what is good.
- Some audience members say that the “Bu şəhərdə” theater is now losing to “Komedixana”. Do you consider “Komedixana” a rival?
- Generally, I do not see anyone as a rival. Children work at Komedixana, and they have their own audience. I am not here to teach them or give them lessons. I do not want to compare ourselves with them. We are different in terms of genre and thought. Of course, I observe them, that goes without saying.
Although both projects serve satire, our perspectives are different.
We try to keep our heads down and do our work.
Being a rival destroys the collective. This is not necessary. If you are a professional in your work, present a product! Let the audience choose your rival; a person who cannot cope with their work looks for rivals.
- Is being a comedy actor more difficult or easier than being a dramatic actor?
- Of course, comedy acting is more difficult. Professionalism is required in both directions. Differentiation is important. Sometimes you see an actor who is the same person in all roles.
- What is the main shortcoming among young comedians?
- They should not be funny for the sake of being funny. I have students. I explain to them that the more seriously you play comedy, the funnier it should be. One needs to get into the character, not act like a buffoon on stage. One needs to be sincere; satire loves this.
- In what aspects do you not see eye to eye with Rafael Isgandarov?
- I wouldn't say there's a discrepancy between us. We are like the "plus" - "minus" of a battery. Our tastes and views are different, which is why we are together.
On stage, however, we understand each other very well.
- You underwent surgery for cancer in Turkey. How is your health now? We would rather not ask such a question, but we are interested in your current health.
- I went for the first time in 2010. I had a repeat surgery in 2015.
Yes, I also do not want to talk about this. Everything is fine, I am under control.
- Do you train students? How much is the fee? To whom do you grant concessions?
- Currently, I have a total of 20 students in 2 groups. I do not handle the financial matters; I have been invited to the course.
- You have been on the Hajj pilgrimage. It seems you are very devoted to Islam. Do you fast?
- I have many medications, I cannot fast.
I am very devoted to Islam. Yes, I went on the Hajj pilgrimage once. Performing it as a condition of Islam is one thing, but I wanted to see that miracle.
There are people in my close circle who call me "Haji". But I do not initiate being called that myself.
- Your statements about Rowan Atkinson, who plays the character "Mr. Bean", were criticized. You say he is not an actor. But he plays a serious role in the film "Maygret".
- I have watched his serious roles as well as his comedies. I did not say this lightly. The art of acting is a rich profession.
If an actor creates a scene, it must be based on reality, whereas the situations he finds himself in are a fantasy environment, and at the same time, his facial expressions are unchanging. He makes people laugh in all his roles with the same facial features.
This simply became "fodder" for journalists and viewers. Whoever had something in their heart, vented it and calmed down. But I still stand by my words.
Could the actor who plays "Mr. Bean" come and portray the 2 characters I have played? No, of course not.
- Some individuals transition to business as soon as they become recognized. Have you done anything similar?
- Whoever transitions to business, that is their purpose in coming to art. As long as they have the opportunity and time, let them deceive and earn money. I am far from business.
- Do you have social media accounts?
- No, but I recently opened an "Instagram" account.
As for comments, I don't look at them. But from the messages written to me personally, it appears that followers have a positive opinion of me.
- Do you watch Joshgun on stage as an audience member?
- I watch when I am alone. My goal is to observe and correct my mistakes.
- If it's not a secret, what constitutes your financial earnings?
- When talking about finances, I consider myself insignificant, and I do not want to answer this question. If I love my art and dedicate my time and energy to it, then naturally I earn something, don't I?
No one dies of hunger.
- Why do we not have political parody?
- We touch upon it in our concerts.
You know, job changes happen so quickly here that there isn't enough time to learn about them and parody them.
- In what direction would you like to see “Bu şəhərdə” in the future?
- We have an idea to shoot a dramatic film as a product of "Bu şəhərdə". The script has already been written.
- What is Joshgun Rahimov's biggest wish?
- May I have many concerns, but may my life be problem-free.
- Mehriban Alakbarzade contributed to your project. Do you still keep in touch?
- When she worked at "Space" channel, she listened to us and accepted us. Despite it being a pilot project, she gave us airtime. Incidentally, Mehriban Alakbarzade also named our project. There were suggestions like "Tezbazar" (Quick Market) and "Bu bizik" (This is us) for the name, but her suggestion was liked.
May she be successful; she is a very creative, excellent person. We have drifted apart due to work. But whenever possible, we meet and express our gratitude.
