London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 08, 2026 – Kazakh actor Murat Bisembin, known for his role as Ruslan in the 2007 film Racketeer, has died at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His daughter confirmed the news, stating he underwent extended treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Bisembin also portrayed Spargap in the 2019 film The Legend of Tomiris.
Murat Bisembin, considered one of Kazakhstan’s best directors, passed away from a long illness, according to several news reports. He was born on 11th October 1972 in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan and made a name for himself in the film and television industry. He died on 7 January 2026, when his family confirmed the news. Kui and media outlets from Azerbaijan to Russia reported this tragic event the following day, 8 January 2026.
Career Highlights in Kazakh Cinema
Bisembin starred as ‘Ruslan’ for the first time in 2007 in a crime drama from Kazakhstan called “Racketeer” directed by Akan Satayev. The character is the leader of a ‘Protectorate’ and recruits ‘Sayan’ after a boxing game. This film explores gangster culture in Urban areas and was noted for its realistic portrayal of Street Life.
Regional media quickly noted his passing with reference to the film. Barakelde said in X post, “Raketeer” star Murat Bisembin dies
He reprised similar tough roles in subsequent projects, including Asan in the 2017 and 2019 films Brat ili brak and Brat ili brak 2. In 2019, Bisembin played Spargap in the historical epic The Legend of Tomiris, a production highlighting ancient Kazakh history. The film featured his performance alongside other regional actors.
Extensive Filmography and Television Roles
Bisembin’s credits include over 15 acting roles, as listed on professional databases. He appeared as Cube in the 2015 action film Diamond Cartel. Other notable works encompass Kniga legend: Tainstvennyy les (2012), where he acted under the name Murat Bisembin, and Who Are You Mr K? (2010).
In television, he featured in series such as Amura (2024), playing Khatimura across seven episodes, and 13 klinicheskaya (2022), portraying Kert in eight episodes. Additional roles include Bopan in Zere (2021), Beksultan in Tender (2020), and appearances in Batyrlar (2020) and Afa (2021). He also worked as a producer on some projects.
| Film/Series | Year | Role | Notes |
| Racketeer | 2007 | Ruslan | Breakthrough gangster role |
| Who Are You Mr. K? | 2010 | Actor | Credited as Murat Bisembin |
| Diamond Cartel | 2015 | Cube | International co-production |
| The Legend of Tomiris | 2019 | Spargap | Historical epic |
| Amura | 2024 | Khatimura | TV series, 7 episodes |
Health Battle and Family Confirmation
In December 2025, Open.kg reported that Bisembin was urgently admitted to the hospital due to having been diagnosed with cancer. His daughter Nailya told the media that he had been receiving treatment up until that time. A YouTube short produced during this time included family and friends stating that he was “fighting for his life.”
Axar.az reported on 8 January 2026 that his daughter confirmed the death, specifying long-term chemotherapy and immunotherapy. APA agency cited Kazannews in verifying the 53-year-old actor’s passing after cancer. Iz.ru, a Russian outlet, noted his Racketeer role in the obituary on the same day.
Zanadia.mn said in X post, “Racketeer” film star Murat Bisengali, the Kazakh actor who became familiar to Mongolians, has passed away. He had been battling cancer for a long time.
Антимафия said in X post, Kazakh actor Murat Bisembin, known for his role in the film “Racketeer” • ANTIMAFIA
No official funeral details emerged immediately in the initial reports from credible sources. Bisembin’s battle drew attention from regional entertainment news, reflecting his status in Kazakh media.
Public Reactions and Tributes
The announcement of his death prompted many online tributes, and although there had yet to be any official statements from film institutions, the news articles referenced in this report do not contain any comments from any of his colleagues on any of the productions he has worked on in the past.
The Kazakh film industry had acknowledged him as a talented actor who portrayed strong, intricate characters. The film “Racketeer,” in particular, tackled themes of youth and crime, receiving international accolades from publications such as Variety. Although Bisembin had continued to be active and involved in film productions, including his recent project “Amura” in late 2024, his health declined very recently.
