Lola Eltoyeva, who came to the theater because of Toti Yusupova and puts her personal life above art, is 54 years old

Lola Eltoyeva, who entered the theater thanks to To‘ti Yusupova and values her personal life over art, is 54 years old

Theater and cinema actress, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Lola Eltoyeva turned 54 on September 4. The actress stands out from many artists not only for her creative activity, but also for her personal life. In addition, Lola Eltoyeva is also known among viewers as the "Kajol of Uzbek cinema" for voicing the actress Kajol in Indian films.

Lola Eltoyeva was born in 1972 in the city of Tashkent. She was the eldest child in the family.

— I was born into a family completely far from art. My father worked in the textile industry, and my mother was a simple housewife. There were three girls and one boy in the family. Like all parents, they told me, "Your sisters and brother will learn from you, whatever you are like," so I always strived to be an exemplary child. I studied with only excellent grades at school and at the institute.

I was interested in art since childhood, but my mother demanded that I study well. The saying "Directors do not cast actresses who did not study well in movies" motivated me to study with only excellent grades.

Even in those days, book readers' competitions were held. My picture was definitely on the board of the students who read the most books. I loved reading books and memorizing monologues, says Lola Eltoyeva.

Lola Eltoyeva recalls her first role and the days she met her mentor To‘ti Yusupova as follows.

— In 1993, I entered the current Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture. I also played my first role during my student days. After my role in the film "Quyoshi botmaydigan yurt" (The Land Where the Sun Never Sets) was liked by many, offers increased even more. I was invited to the role of Gulshod in the video film "Jaholat alangasi" (The Flame of Ignorance). My mother in the role was to be played by To‘ti Yusupova, who was one of the most famous actresses of that time. While I was embarrassed to go near To‘ti opa, thinking that I was just a simple student and this actress was very famous, she called me to her side and started a conversation. Because of this video film, I found my mentor in creativity and in life. It was also that person who brought me to the father theater in the year I graduated from the institute, saying, "You must work in the theater," says Lola Eltoyeva.

In one of her interviews, the actress mentioned that no matter how much she loves creativity, she cannot give up her personal life.

— I also know women who did not build their personal lives for the sake of art. They work harder than married women who work, and they conquer higher peaks. This is clear. I understand them; they did not dedicate their lives to art in vain. Could I act this way?! No. Anyone who has felt the "sweetness of a child" would probably answer the same way. One year, we went on a tour to the USA, Israel, and Germany on the basis of a cooperative contract. I and another Russian actress went from Uzbekistan. The guests were surprised that we kept running to the hotel during breaks between conferences and banquets. When it was explained to them, "These women talk to their families, call their children," they were surprised and admired it. There, I observed an artist couple. Even though they were over forty, the thought of having a child had not even crossed a corner of their minds. And they ask, "How old do I look?" True, they might look relatively young, beautiful, and advanced, but all of this is temporary!, says the actress.

Lola Eltoyeva also recalls the first days she entered the field of dubbing as follows.

— Dubbing is a separate art; it has its own charm. Dubbing masters Rimma Ahmedova and Hojiakbar Nurmatov were the reason for my mastering of this field. They worked in our theater and would leave in a hurry after the performance. Hearing about my interest in the field of dubbing, they said, "There is magic in your voice, you must definitely meet the dubbing director." Of course, I did not become a dubbing actor overnight. This is also a field that requires great work and patience. One must also search for it, says Lola Eltoyeva.

The actress recalled her most favorite role and the following events related to its performance.

— An actor also has a role to which they have given their affection. I especially love the role of the teacher's wife, Zarifa Saidnosirova, in the play "Adibning umri" (The Writer's Life). Because even when the teacher fell ill and was bedridden, this woman urged him to create. Since her stature was like mine and there were similarities in our physical appearance, the role went to me. When the teacher's sons-in-law came to the premiere of the play, they said, "I saw Zarifa Saidnosirova." The recognition of family members is a great achievement. But there were also objections; I accepted this correctly and tried to correct it. Naim Karimov said, "Zarifa opa used to speak slowly." It turns out I spoke quickly and in a loud voice to make the role impactful, says the actress.

The actress does not want to disclose information about her personal life, and it is also very difficult to find her interviews. "This is not a desire to look mysterious, it is just that an actor shows what is in their heart to the audience through their role," says the actress.

— My spouse is an artist, and his character is accordingly calm and restrained. I am much faster compared to him. But we have a family tradition that we have not given up to this day. Before agreeing to every role offered to me, I consult with my spouse. To some directors, and even to my colleagues, this seems unusual. But I am pleased that our family is built on exactly such Uzbek values, and I believe it should be so. In Uzbek families, everyone has their own place and their own status. This nurtures mutual respect and esteem, and increases love and affection, says the actress.

Lola Eltoyeva was recognized as the "Best Theater Actress" at the Turksoy International Theater Awards ceremony held in Istanbul, Turkey, in February 2026.