Former Mirage Soloist Speaks Out About Pension Realities and Personal Struggles
Natalia Gulkina, once a prominent soloist with the Russian pop ensemble Mirage, has publicly addressed the challenges she faces as a retired performer. She spoke candidly about the difficulties of living on a modest pension, describing it as insufficient to cover her daily needs and care for her pets. She emphasized that the small pension barely supports a life beyond basic expenses, calling the notion of a large pension a mere illusion.
Gulkina clarified that she has not received additional bonuses tied to professional titles such as Honored Artist or People’s Artist. The process to obtain those distinctions involves submitting documents to various authorities, a task she has undertaken several times without completion. Although she does not demand titles from others, she acknowledged the practical hurdles that come with the pursuit.
She remarked that lofty declarations aside, financial realities still govern everyday life. Beyond her own needs, she must provide for 11 cats she has rescued from the streets, along with maintaining two sizable aquariums at home. She described the living space as her small sanctuary, a place of personal meaning and responsibility.
In November 2023, Gulkina disclosed that several of her pets suffer from disabilities. She shared that some animals were rescued from neglect or mistreatment by previous owners and now require ongoing care. Among the companions are legless cats, cats with broken tails, and some that are deaf. The singer spoke with affection about how these animals shape her daily routine and emotional life.
Not all stories related to pension and support in the public eye end with personal triumphs. In a separate financial matter involving another public figure, Elena Blinovskaya, there were reports that the pension account of Blinovskaya’s mother had been seized due to debt associated with a blogger. The intertwined narratives highlight the broader pressures that can accompany aging, celebrity status, and the management of personal finances in difficult times.
These accounts underscore a reality that resonates with many retirees who balance limited incomes with the duties of pet care, housing costs, and ongoing medical or sensory needs for beloved animals. They also touch on the bureaucratic hurdles that often accompany the pursuit of professional recognition and financial stability after a career in entertainment. The discussions illuminate the intersection of artistry, pension policy, and humane obligations toward animals in modern life.
[Sources attributed for context and quotes are provided by public interviews and press reports as of the time of publication.]