Honored artist İlkin Əhmədov said that he can no longer perform the role of Məcnun.
The khananda stated that he has banned himself from this. He spoke about this in the "Qonaqcanlı" program and discussed the difficulty of the character:
"I said that after the age of 50, I will perform some roles at the Opera and Ballet Theater, and some I will not. I can no longer perform the role of Məcnun. This is not an easy role; its responsibility and weight are great. Not everyone at every age can play this character. Until a certain time, I had the energy and strength and performed it. Now I cannot. Currently, Mənsum İbrahimov performs this character better than the youth. Some cannot find this strength within themselves, and I am among them. I have performed the main roles in four major mugham performances. For example, after the age of 50, I can play Məcnun's father or Kərəm's father. I can perform the roles of Sheyx and teacher. After this, I have made my decision - I will no longer appear as Məcnun." (Axşam.az)