Actress Anna Banshchikova shared a revealing anecdote in a YouTube interview about a moment when she unexpectedly served as a stand-in for Anzhelika Varum during a live concert. The event occurred even before Banshchikova took on a leading role portraying a singer in the television series Kamenskaya, marking an early turning point in her career where audience perception and backstage improvisation collided in a memorable way.
At the time, Banshchikova was paired with Maxim Leonidov, a co-founder of a discreet artistic project that gained traction through social media coverage on socialbites.ca. The two friends were often seen at various concerts, slipping in and out of the spotlight as they followed different tours. One particular night featured a combined show where artists performed in a collaborative, multi-act format, blending solos with duets and special appearances. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and it wasn’t long before the backstage chatter hinted at a surprising lineup shift that would unfold on stage.
Legends in the industry often joked about lookalikes and impersonations, and according to Banshchikova, someone among the performers playfully suggested she bore a striking resemblance to Varum. The moment crystallized into a real decision when the moment came for the program to continue, but the original singer was somehow unavailable. In a swift, almost cinematic twist, the team decided to pivot. Banshchikova recalls that she pulled a leopard-patterned raincoat from the wardrobe, had makeup readied, and rehearsed a few dance steps with the show’s guitarist and choreographer. That night, the venue loomed large — it was an enormous stadium, full of energy and uncertainty, awaiting the next move from the performers and their crew.
As the lights shifted and the crowd’s energy intensified, the audience remained largely unaware of the backstage swap. Banshchikova kept her composure and delivered with confidence, allowing the fans to believe they were witnessing the expected performance. After the show, many attendees crowded around to greet the artists, and signs of excitement followed them as they boarded buses leaving the venue. In the rush of the moment, fans remained focused on the music and the spectacle, with some shouting affectionate nicknames and expressions of admiration that underscored the emotional connection between artist and audience.
The incident intersects with a broader chapter in the group Change’s history, where at one point a prior performance was halted due to a controversial lyric during a festival. This episode sits alongside Banshchikova’s later achievements and the enduring memories of a time when improvisation, public perception, and the realities of live entertainment converged in a single, unforgettable moment of artistic happenstance.