P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Prominent Tajik Figures of the Twentieth Century

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Muhammadiev's last two novellas, Shohi Yopon (King of

Japan,1982) and Varta (Precipice, 1983), examine the Tajik worker's
status in the community, as well as the ways he has to cope with
difficult living conditions. The major characters in both works
recognize the significance of being responsible individuals.
Muhammadiev influenced Tajik prose between 1960 and 1980 by
establishing a new and fresh direction. He openly criticized aspects of
socialism that were not true to the legacy of the early leaders. In the
same breath, he also denounced Islamic dicta that were not congruent
with a well-balanced life.
Muhammadiev was the recipient of the Rudaki State Prize for A
House on the Outskirts. He also received the Badge of Honor, and the
Honorary Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Tajikistan,
and other Republics.
Muhammadiev died on June 10, 1986, in Samarqand.
Muhammadjonov, Ato
Tajik actor Ato Saimuiddinovich Muhammadjonov was born in
Dushanbe to a Bukharan family of workers on September 2, 1940.
After completing high school in 1958, Muhammadjonov joined the
Lahuti State Theater for the Dramatic Arts in Dushanbe, performing
mostly comic roles.
Muhammadjonov's first role was in Mirsaid Mirshakar's spectacle,
Toshbek va Gulqurbon (Toshbek and Gulqurbon). Later on, he played
Suhrab in Ghani Abdullo's Rustam va Suhrob (Rustam and Suhrab). His
other roles include Asad Makhsum in J. Ikromi's Dilhoi Suzon (Burning
Hearts).
Muhammadjonov was a born actor. He recognized the various
aspects of the roles he was given and provided appropriate devices for
portraying them on the stage.
Later on, he moved to the movie world and played such major
figures as Adham created by S. Ulugzoda, Claudius by W. Shakespeare,
and Afrasiyob in Dostoni Siovosh (The Story of Siyavosh), and Mirzo in
Darvishi Lang (The Lame Dervish). Altogether, he played in more than
30 films.
Muhammadjonov recited Persian poetry very well.

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Iraj Bashiri

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Muhammadjonov became a People's Artist of Tajikistan in 1981,

and became a Laureate of the Soviet State in 1984. He also received the
Order of Dusti (Friendship) of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Muhammadjonov died in Istarafshan on September 9, 2002.