Meruert Karataevna Utekesheva is a name that will forever remain in the hearts of fans of Kazakh cinema and theater. Her legendary image Kyz-Zhibek became a symbol of beauty, grace and feminine strength, and her talent and dedication to art made her one of the greatest actresses in Kazakhstan.

She was born on February 25, 1951 in Uralsk and from childhood was surrounded by a love of art. In 1968, her fate changed forever - a young, still unknown girl was invited to play the main role in movie “Kyz-Zhibek”. Her gentle, but strong image, her sincerity and emotionality captivated millions of viewers. It was not just a performance of a role – it was the birth of a legend.

After the stunning success of the film, Meruert Utekesheva entered the Kazakh State Institute of Arts, where she studied with the best stage masters. Already in 1973, she became an actress at the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater named after M. Auezova, to whom she devoted her entire life. Her theatrical works amaze with their depth and versatility. Karagoz in the play of the same name by Mukhtar Auezov, Enlik in “Enlik – Kebek”, Gaini in "The Lost Friend", Aliman in "Mother's Field" - each role became a real event, awakening sincere emotions in the audience.

But her work was not limited to the theater. Her filmography is a whole era of Kazakh cinema. She starred in the films “Chokan Valikhanov”, “The Tale of the Beautiful Aisulu”, “My House on the Green Hills”, “City of Dreams”, “The Old Woman”, as well as in the popular TV series “Aisha”, “Zhanym” and “Zhanym-2”. In every image there is genuine sincerity, in every movement there is precision and filigree work of the great actress.

Her contribution to the development of Kazakh culture was highly appreciated. In 1982 she was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. She was awarded the Kurmet and Parasat orders, and became a laureate of republican and all-Union theater awards.

In 2022 she received the title “Honorary Citizen of the City of Almaty” - recognition of her invaluable contribution to art.

But, perhaps her main achievement – is the love of the audience. Theatre, stage, cinema – for her it was not just a profession, but the meaning of life. Each of her roles was imbued with honesty and dedication. Her heroines inspired, gave hope, made us believe in the power of love and kindness.

Meruert Utekesheva is more than an actress. This is an era, this is a symbol, this is a legacy that all of Kazakhstan is proud of.