of the Ostrovsky Institute of Performing Arts (Tashkent) in 1952[4] and soon joined Auezov Theater.

[6] Zhanturin's best-known roles include Chokan Valikhanov (eponymous play by Sabit Mukanov), Kodar (Kozy Korpesh — Bayan Sulu by Gabit Musirepov), Kebek and Syrym (Enlik-Kebek and Karakoz by Mukhtar Auezov), Arman (One Tree Does Not Make a Forest by Abdilda Tazhibaev), Kaben (Unquenchable Fire by Zeinulla Kabdulov), Sanzhan (Unfunny Comedy by Akim Tarazi), Doctor (The Forgotten Man by Nâzım Hikmet), Sintaro (A Woman's Life by Kaoru Morimoto), Molière (The Cabal of Hypocrites by Mikhail Bulgakov), as well as Iago and Macbeth in Shakespeare's Othello and Macbeth (the latter in a production at the Seifullin Theater in Karaganda).

[7] Mark Donskoy spotted Zhanturin's talent when scouting the Central Asia for actors for his movie Alitet Leaves for the Hills (after a 1950 novel by Syomushkin).

[9] Nurmukhan's other well-known roles included Kerim (Daughter of the Steppes, 1954), Dzhoomart (Saltanat, 1955), Alzhanov (On the Wild Coast of the Irtysh, 1959), Abakir (Heat, 1962), Tagay (Dzhura, 1964), Tanabay (The Trotter's Gait, 1968), Ablaykhanov (The End of the Ataman, 1970), Kurmangazy (Kurmangazy, 1974).

Zhanturin's eponymous role in Sultan Baybars brought him a prize for Special Achievements in Acting (shared with Nonna Mordyukova) at Sozvezdie-90 USSR national festival.