Kurdish actor Nermin Qadir dies at 63 after long battle with cancer

SULAYMANIYAH — Nermin Qadir, a celebrated Kurdish actor best known for her role in the satirical television show Barnamay Barnama, died Tuesday evening at the age of 63 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Qadir passed away two weeks after undergoing surgery in Baghdad. Her daughter, Lolan Azad, told 964media earlier this week, “My mother is not well and must avoid stress, but she still needs another surgery for her liver. She must return to Baghdad because the necessary equipment isn’t available in Kurdistan.”

Born in Sulaymaniyah in 1962, Qadir began her artistic career in 1975, working across theater and television as both an actor and singer. She earned wide acclaim for her role in Barnamay Barnama, remembered as one of the most iconic solo performances in Kurdish broadcasting. Over nearly four decades, she became a leading figure in Kurdish performing arts.

Qadir lost her husband in 1994 and was the mother of two children.

She was laid to rest Wednesday at Bazian cemetery outside Sulaymaniyah. According to her daughter, Qadir had asked to be buried at home, but the family chose Bazian to adhere to Islamic tradition and local custom. “We honored all her wishes, except the burial location,” Lolan said, adding that her mother had also requested a funeral prayer be held in her name.

Lolan, who has expressed interest in following her mother’s artistic path, said she does not plan to pursue her career in the Kurdistan Region. “There is no support for artists here,” she said.

She shared that a 964media team had arranged to meet with Qadir in Sulaymaniyah on the day she died. Lolan said she would send two personal video messages recorded by her mother for the outlet.