He is sharp-tongued. No problem or painful issue escapes the venom in his words. Behind the bitter truths interspersed with his critiques and mockeries lies a desire to envision a better, greener, and more prosperous Uzbekistan. We are speaking of the chief “Troll” of Uzbekistan’s media space–Umid Gafurov.
Regarding his personality, well..... We shall hear more about that from him directly.
CHILDHOOD
My childhood dream was to become an artist. Those around me tried to talk me out of it, questioning where an artist could go and how much money one could earn. Today, my work still involves creativity, yet that original dream remains unfulfilled. And even if I wanted to return to it now... where would I find the time? My advice to those on the cusp of making a choice is to stay loyal to your dreams; otherwise, you will live with regret.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, which I read as a child, left a profound impression on me. Back then, I may not have fully grasped the essence of the novel. However, the book contains deeply philosophical insights about the essence of life.
THE NIGHT OWL’S CUP
Coffee or tea? For me, both have their place. Naturally, my day starts with coffee. However, throughout the day, I lean more towards tea. Although tea is superior from a health perspective, for me, it’s a matter of mood.
I admire those who can wake up early in the morning. No matter how hard I try, I have not managed to make this a habit for myself. I’m a night person; my creativity flourishes late at night. Everyone has their own productive hours.
Now that I have children, I do have some early rising days. However, breaking old habits is no easy feat–I still end up being a “night owl.”
WANDERLUST
For me, the perfect day is one spent with my family in a new location. Breathing in the fresh air deeply and letting go of all worries feels truly blissful. The specific country or location doesn’t matter much.
I’m most at peace in nature, whether by the sea or in the mountains.I strive to clear my mind of any thoughts during such moments. Daily life is already filled with constant thoughts and concerns, and sometimes it is essential to give the mind a break.
AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRAIT
In my professional life, if someone fails to live up to my trust, I say goodbye. I always give a second chance, of course. But if the situation repeats itself, it means our perspectives and paths are different. There’s no benefit to holding onto conflicts, grudges, or hostility. This cannot be a solution. Those who do not deserve your trust should simply be removed from your life.
I am a perfectionist. In the past, I considered this to be a crucial trait, something everyone must possess. My view has changed now. This trait can disrupt business. Risk and speed are essential in business, while a perfectionist might find it challenging to exhibit such qualities. Therefore, sometimes I try to “switch off” the perfectionist within me.
VALUABLE QUALITIES
A vital quality for every person in life is resourcefulness. While it might not always please those around, only an enterprising person can achieve their goals.
The qualities I value most in people are–humanity and sincerity. I have zero tolerance for lies.
TURNING POINT
The most transformative experience of my life was my years studying in Italy. The country’s climate and its people had a profound effect on me. Their approach towards life, their enjoyment of living, and how they are so distant from materialism in comparison to us left me astonished. Italians savor each moment and live fully. You won’t see them in a rush; while this can sometimes be a disadvantage, they truly live. Whether rich or average, they all share a love for life.
LOVE
When talking about love, I first think of my parents. However, during my childhood, they weren't often by my side, as they worked far away. I grew up under the care of my grandfather and grandmother in Bukhara. I was the youngest and most beloved grandchild. I even learned to cook from my grandmother; she had poor eyesight, so she would tell me what to do, and I would carry out her instructions. From these people, I have experienced both scoldings and affection, just like with my parents.
For me, the best parents are those who respect their child's desires from an early age, see them as individuals, and do not burden them with the weight of their own unattained dreams.
OTHERS
I would be lying if I said other people's opinions don't matter to me. Every person is curious about what others think of them. However, this doesn't mean you should seek their approval or live by their opinions. It's merely a measurement. For instance, if I post something and receive more criticism than support, it indicates that I need to work on myself. I must have made some mistakes, and mistakes are a normal part of life.
I try to read the comments left on my messages in order to understand how well the essence of my post has been perceived. However, I often lack the time and patience to read everything. In the past, I would take every comment to heart. Now I realize that with 8 billion people in the world, there are 8 billion perspectives. It's impossible to please everyone. Trying to fit into everyone’s expectations would take a lifetime–and even that wouldn’t be enough.
INSPIRATION FATE
Sometimes, I find it hard to believe in fate, yet at other times, I have no choice but to trust it. I think a person can create their own destiny to some extent. One should not just sit back and leave everything to fate; action is necessary. I am an optimist, so attributing everything to fate does not align with my principles in life.
I can draw inspiration from anyone–from my parents to strangers. From Steve Jobs to our chess champions, even ordinary people striving to make a living can inspire at times. There is no perfect person; the desire to be perfect itself is a mistake.
LIFE
The most desired, yet unattainable thing for me is–time. As I grow older, it feels like time passes more rapidly; it’s as if I'm living not for 24 hours but for 14-15 hours a day. It's hard to keep up with planned tasks. I am currently 33 years old. Not long ago, this age seemed like a far-off destination...
Time is the most valuable thing; you cannot buy it. Another wealth that cannot be measured by anything is health. This is also related to time because, as time goes on, health issues begin to make themselves known
Interview by Tina IMAMJAN.
