Rashid Xoliqov, an Honored Artist of Uzbekistan and holder of the "Mehnat Shuhrati" order, celebrated his 53rd birthday on April 28. Considered one of the leading performers in Uzbek showbiz, his family initially did not want him to choose an artistic path, and when he started his creative career, his loved ones looked down on him. On the occasion of his birthday, we take a look at the life and work of the artist who is now the father of four children and a grandfather of several grandchildren.
"My father was an engineer, my mother was a cook"
Many people consider him the child of a wealthy family. In reality, his father was a simple engineer and his mother worked as a cook at a kindergarten. During his childhood years, the family experienced financial difficulties.
"Doctors advised my mother to give up on me"
Rashid Xoliqov was the fourth child of his mother. Doctors told her the pregnancy posed a risk to her health and advised terminating it. A woman told his mother as she was leaving the clinic in tears: "The baby in your womb will become famous." So it happened, and he came into the world.
Meeting his wife
The singer met his wife Saida at a wedding. Their relationship eventually grew into a family. After their first meeting, her mother received him with harsh words. Hurt in his pride, he left. But he came back later with flowers and received her blessing.
Serious illness and recovery
In 2013, during a trip to Bali, he suffered a serious illness due to an insect bite. He was bedridden for several months, and there was even talk of amputation. He eventually recovered with the help of German doctors.
Family and life today
The singer has four children. His sons Sanjar and Islam are married. Although Sanjar once had an interest in arts, he later chose business. Rashid Xoliqov is known as someone who values his daughters-in-law highly. When he first became a grandfather, he gifted expensive cars to his wife and daughter-in-law.
Today he pleases his fans by performing at Tashkent weddings for approximately $1,300 and at corporate events for $2,500–$3,500.
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