The 82-year-old Polish actress Barbara Brylska has responded to claims raised by her colleague, Russian actress Valentina Talyzina, that Brylska once sold underwear at Mosfilm during filming. The allegations were reported in a publication called Paragraph.
Bryska remarked that she never engaged in any selling of undergarments. She described herself as someone who introduced friends and acquaintances to people who could help them, clarifying that she did not exchange items for profit. The veteran star of Eldar Ryazanova’s The Irony of Fate or Enjoy the Bath! emphasized that any suggestion of wrongdoing was unfounded and driven by personal grudge.
Bryska explained that Talyzina had spoken out of personal dissatisfaction. She recalled making efforts to win affection and recognition, noting that disputes over awards sometimes spill over into public statements. Brylska asserted that she pursued recognition with sincerity, while implying that jealousy over a prestigious state award fueled the other side of the controversy.
Both Brylska and Talyzina worked on Ryazanov’s 1976 film, though Talyzina had to perform some parts as a Polish-language dub for that production. The film became a memorable collaboration in Soviet cinema, and the behind the scenes dynamics have long fascinated fans and scholars alike.
In a recent interview, Talyzina reiterated the claim that Brylska had brought underwear to Mosfilm and that some income from these exchanges was used to acquire works by Russian artists, which Brylska would then transport to Poland. Brylska did not confirm these details and instead challenged the characterization of her actions, suggesting they were misinterpreted or exaggerated as part of a personal feud.
Following Russia’s push into Ukraine, Brylska announced that she would no longer visit Russia. The decision reflects a broader response from several artists who reassessed their ties with the country amid the geopolitical crisis, choosing to distance themselves for reasons tied to conscience and principle rather than personal grievances alone.
In another interview about The Irony of Fate or Enjoy Your Bath!, Brylska spoke about the cast, noting that there were conversations and tensions that come with long-running collaborations. The discussion touched on the experience of co-stars and how public memory sometimes shapes our understanding of those who appeared together on screen, including Leah Akhedzhakova, who remains a notable presence in the film’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, former colleagues have weighed in with their own perspectives. Galina Stakhanova, for instance, has expressed concerns about pension matters, highlighting the way veteran performers navigate the later stages of their careers and the support structures available to them. The exchanges among these artists underscore how cinema history is often intertwined with personal histories, public perception, and the evolving context of their times.