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Renowned Kazakh pop singer Makpal Zhunusova has unveiled previously unheard details about her relationship with her late husband, prominent politician Zamanbek Nurkadilov. In a candid interview, the celebrated artist revealed that her initial feelings towards Nurkadilov were far from romantic, admitting she even felt intimidated by him at first.

An Unconventional Beginning

Speaking on the "Din Dina Show" in 2024, Zhunusova recounted how their relationship began. She explained that it was Nurkadilov who initiated the courtship, and she never actively pursued him. "I never knocked on his door begging him to marry me. I wasn't even in love with him. I didn't even like him," Zhunusova stated. She elaborated that Nurkadilov, who held significant power and influence at the time, pursued his desires, and she felt a sense of apprehension due to the people around him. "Initially, we were afraid of him. Later, respect grew between us," she recalled.

A Marriage of Choice and Resilience

Zhunusova also shed light on the legal timeline of their marriage. While they began living together in 1991, their official marriage registration did not occur until 1998. The People's Artist explained her decision to stay with Nurkadilov, especially during challenging times, stemmed from a shared experience of hardship. "We both grew up without fathers. He was like me, a beggar. Power and wealth slipped through his fingers. If I wanted to hold onto Zaken, I would have gone straight to the registry office. But I refused. I told him, if you love me, we can live without documents," she shared. She emphasized that he remained committed, stating, "He didn't leave. I didn't tie him down."

About Makpal Zhunusova

Makpal Zhunusova is a highly respected figure in Kazakh popular music, celebrated for her distinctive voice and performance style. Born in the Karaganda region in 1963, she began her professional career in 1981 with the "Kazakhconcert" association. She achieved significant recognition early on, earning the title of "Honored Artist of Kazakhstan" at just 22 and "People's Artist of Kazakhstan" at 31. Beyond her singing career, Zhunusova is also known for her contributions to music education.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.