To recount my memories of one of the timeless works of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov – the opera "Leyli and Majnun", I involuntarily turned the pages of my diary and mentally traveled back to the years 1926-27. During that time, I was working at the the State Theatre of Independent Criticism and Entertainment (Satiragit), called "Damga". I was young and possessed a good voice. One day, the chief conductor of the Opera and Ballet Theater, composer Muslim Magomayev, invited me to work at the theater. It is difficult to express how overjoyed I was.

M. Magomayev greeted me very warmly at the theater. After a short conversation, he sat down at the piano. The room filled with the soaring sounds of mugham Mansuriya, from the Chahargah destgah. I immediately understood what was happening. Magomayev wanted to test me on this difficult piece. I successfully passed this test...

My first role in the opera was the role of Arabzangi in Muslim Magomayev’s "Shah Ismayil" opera. Since then, he called me "Sister Arabzangi". Soon, I met Uzeyir Hajibeyov. He also showed interest in my voice and advised me to perform the role of Leyli. I have often listened to the opera "Leyli and Majnun" and imagined myself in the role of Leyli. However, as soon as this dream began to come true, I realized how difficult and responsible this task was. After the heroic female character of Arabzangi, it was not easy to embody the lyrical image of Leyli. Nevertheless, the poetry of Fuzuli, touching hearts, and the magical music of Uzeyir became wings that supported my young inspiration on this challenging path. I felt all the pain of Leyli, her sufferings, and the tragedy of her unhappy love.

I remember, it was one of the first performances. Uzeyir Hajibeyov was sitting in the lodge. After difficult passages, trying not to let the audience notice, I cautiously glanced in his direction. He nodded almost imperceptibly as a sign of approval. For a young actress, this was a great reward.

My friendship with Leyli lasted a long time. My best performances, of course, were with the People’s Artists of the Republic Husseynqulu Sarabski, Husseynagha Hajibabayev, and Alovsat Sadigov. I consider myself fortunate to have participated multiple times in such a great work.