THE ART OF BEING GENUINE: THE JOURNEY OF ZAMIRA BESHIMOVA

In the world of art, there are figures whose creativity becomes a bridge between cultures and generations. Actress, writer, teacher, and public figure Zamira Beshimova is one of them. For over twenty-two years, she has worked in film and theatre, taught children acting at the Talents Project school, created magazines that bring people from different countries together, and written books for children. Today, Zamira is not only an artist but also an activist — host of the political talk show Agar and the podcast Rakurs, a participant in charitable initiatives, and a mother of four.

We met with her to talk about inspiration, values, and how art can become a way of life.
— Twenty-two years in the profession is almost an era. What does this journey mean to you?
— It is not just a matter of years but an inner road that lasts a lifetime. Every role and every project has taught me something: patience, courage, attentiveness to detail. An actor is always a bit of a philosopher — living dozens of lives in order to better understand their own.

— You run the children’s film school Talents Project. What is the most important lesson you try to pass on to your students?
— Sincerity. The camera senses falsehood instantly. I teach children not to fear mistakes and not to strive for some “perfect performance.” What matters is searching for truth — in yourself, in your roles, in life. A mistake is not a defeat, but the beginning of new experience.

— You are the editor-in-chief of two international magazines — The Addresses and Bazarstan. What makes them unique?
— The Addresses is a space for ideas and cultural exchange, where we tell the stories of people who are changing the world. Bazarstan, published in Chicago, is dedicated to entrepreneurs from Central Asia building businesses in the United States. For me, they are like two wings of the same flight: tradition and modernity, East and West.

— Your new children’s book Tishlar Saltanati has recently been published. What is it about?
— It is a fairy tale about the kingdom of teeth, where children learn, in an entertaining way, how to take care of their health. There is humour and imagination, but also important life lessons. I wanted little ones to smile and learn at the same time.

— Your works are often inspired by children. Does motherhood influence your creativity?
— Completely. My children are my co-authors. Their questions, fantasies, and laughter are an endless source of ideas. When they ask, “Mum, tell us another story,” I realise that what I write is needed not only by them, but by thousands of other children.

— You actively speak in defence of national values. What does national culture mean to you?
— It is our roots, nourishing the entire tree of life. I proudly wear Uzbek national dress and jewellery, because every ornament and every pattern holds our history. It is important to me to show the world that modernity and national traditions do not contradict each other — they complement one another. This is our identity and our wealth.

— You host the talk show Agar and the podcast Rakurs, where you tackle pressing social issues. Why is this important to you?
— Art and media should be not only a source of entertainment, but also a mirror of society. I am not afraid to speak about difficult topics — family, upbringing, culture, education. Only an honest conversation can help us grow and move forward.

— You are also active in charitable work. What drives you to do this?
— Helping others is not a feat, but a natural part of human life. I believe that if you have the chance to support someone, you should do it. The smile of a child who has been given hope is worth more than any award.

— What are your plans for the near future?
— I dream of turning my fairy tales into animated films, so that children all over the world can see them on screen. I want to develop international creative camps for children and, of course, continue acting. The actress within me is always alive.

Our conversation with Zamira Beshimova leaves a sense of lightness and inspiration. She knows how to turn experience into a story, and a story into a dream. Everything this woman does is rooted in love: for children, for art, for life.

The art of being genuine — that is her path.