Dinmukhamed Kunaev: The Comedic Soviet Leader

Dinmukhamed Kunaev was a Soviet politician and a notable figure in Kazakhstan. He served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR from 1960 to 1986, a position that made him one of the most powerful men in the country. But beyond his political accomplishments, Kunaev was known for his unique sense of humor and his love for practical jokes.

Kunaev was born in 1912 in the village of Kzyl-Tuu, which today is part of modern-day Kyrgyzstan. Growing up, he realized that he had a gift for making people laugh. He would often regale his schoolmates with jokes and funny stories, quickly earning the nickname “The Comedian.”

Kunaev’s love for humor continued into adulthood, and he became known for using his wit to diffuse tense situations. Once, during a heated meeting with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, Kunaev pulled out a rubber chicken and began using it as a prop in his arguments. Brezhnev, caught off guard by Kunaev’s unexpected move, couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Kunaev’s comedic talent extended beyond his political career. He was a gifted impressionist, and would often impersonate Brezhnev and other Soviet officials to the delight of his friends and colleagues. His favorite impression was of Nikita Khrushchev, which he would perform while wearing a fake beard and banging his shoe on the table.

Kunaev’s sense of humor was not appreciated by all, however. During a political rally in the early 1970s, he began telling a particularly long and rambling joke. The crowd, growing restless, started booing him. Unfazed, Kunaev responded by pulling out a whoopee cushion and blowing it loudly. The crowd erupted in laughter, but Marxist-Leninist party officials were not amused. Kunaev was reprimanded for his behavior and ordered to attend sensitivity training.

Despite the occasional run-in with party officials, Kunaev continued to use humor as a tool throughout his career. He believed that laughter was the best medicine, and that by making people laugh, he could build bridges between different groups of people. It was this belief, along with his tireless dedication to Kazakhstan, that made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in the country’s history.

Dinmukhamed Kunaev passed away in 1993, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered not only for his political achievements, but also for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor. In fact, there is a popular saying in Kazakhstan: “If you want to forget your problems, listen to Kunaev’s jokes.” The Comedian would surely have been proud.