– Shortly before the interview began, the actor shared on social media that he had begun voicing the audiobook Captain’s Daughter. How did he experience that moment?
He admitted that just minutes after finishing a studio session for another audiobook, he walked out feeling as if he had stepped into a parallel world. The task proved tougher than expected, especially given that his career centers on spoken performance. The cadence and complexity of Pushkin’s lines demanded intense focus, and for a moment he found himself sweating over the phrasing and vocabulary.
When asked about preparation for recording, he confessed there was no deliberate warm up or rehearsal that day. He had woken up, brewed coffee, and opened a book, and only in hindsight did he recognize the value of a proper warm up before the next session.
He also reflected on whether he warms up his voice before theatre performances. The practice felt like an outdated corporate ritual to him. After finishing his studies and stepping into the theatre, he used to train before going on stage, a ritual noticed by colleagues who teased him for still being green. Now, his routine tends to be simpler, aimed at waking up and stabilizing his energy before a shift.
In the role of the artist Mark in Alfa Romeo, he describes a thorough preparation process. Auditions and script readings were essential to understand the character and the emotional throughline. On set, an art consultant guided him in how to hold a brush properly, ensuring the portrayal carried credibility without leaning on surface details.
Mark’s on-screen drawing is treated as a visual illusion. The film leverages cinematic magic to let audiences believe in a talent for drawing that the character does not openly display. The trailer presents a striking version of Mark, but the actor notes that the character’s inner strength allows him to challenge his father and set boundaries, even as he remains a flawed, sheltered young man learning to express himself on the big screen.
Regarding feminism, he prefers not to pronounce a definitive stance. He aims to stay tolerant and balanced, appreciating healthy expressions of feminism while avoiding extremes that could influence others negatively. He believes in allowing people to pursue their happiness, as long as it does not harm others.
If asked to summarize the Alfa Romeo filming period, he recalls the pilot episode’s production as especially memorable. The crew traveled to a remote location, waited long hours to enter a shot, and spent a warm summer evening sharing conversations that felt intimate and uplifting. Those moments left a lasting impression on him.
Over the years he has picked up several practical skills to enhance his on-screen believability. He lists bells as a second vocation, having completed bell courses, and mentions plans to study car mechanics. He has also learned the workings of webcams, sites, and tokens, though he jokes that this knowledge has yet to prove useful in daily life.
Driving remains a hobby for him, though he does not own a car yet and relies on car sharing while searching for an ideal vehicle. He compares the search to the challenge of finding a perfect apartment in Moscow, something that remains elusive in his eyes.
The memory of passing a driving test six years earlier in Kursk stands out. He recalls how his father arranged for a trainer who prepared him well, and the moment of earning the license felt like a milestone embraced with relief. His hometown period felt gloomy in some ways, a contrast to the vibrant circle of friends he found in Moscow. Still, he valued the experience and moved forward.
Five years ago he appeared in KVNschiki, a film shot secretly at a real KVN festival in Sochi. That project remains a bold highlight of his career, marked by an unplanned but thrilling success in a competitive setting. The atmosphere was playful yet high-stakes, a combination that made it unforgettable. He did not know much about KVN before filming, but the experience taught him the rules and the social order of the game, shaping his approach to performance. He continues to stay connected with Ilya Aksenov, meeting at galas and auditions.
Foreign projects have not yet materialized, but he expresses openness to such opportunities. He notes that his English is decent and that he has self-taced the language for several years, ready to explore if the right chance comes along.
The actor acknowledges enjoying the kind of attention that comes with popularity, calling it a healthy form of validation that motivates him to smile and keep going. He emphasizes the importance of not overindulging in praise, but he finds motivation in positive feedback.
When asked for motivational advice from a seasoned colleague, he recalls a warm sentence from an experienced mentor: not to rush. He also gets messages from fans, which can range from well-intentioned notes to provocative photos. He and a partner occasionally laugh about these messages, choosing to focus on what feels respectful and constructive.
Balancing work offers is a practical concern. He admits that time constraints force careful selection of projects, and he may pass on roles that don’t align with his current path. He aspires to avoid overly sentimental depictions of clumsy schoolchildren and instead seeks diverse roles that challenge him.
If there is a dream role, he would love to portray a nocturnally compelling villain who captures the audience’s fascination even as the character commits terrible acts. The lure of complexity and danger in such a villain intrigues him.
In his spare time, physical activity is a priority. Sports serve as a form of meditation and recovery, and he keeps a regular gym routine. He has overcome earlier weight concerns through a disciplined mix of exercise and nutrition, learning to balance health without falling into extreme dieting. He has navigated body image pressures and insecurities, with cinema and intimate scenes helping him grow more confident. He does not obsess over weight now, choosing instead to enjoy pancakes, eggs, and curd cheese as part of a balanced life.
Overall, the actor values steady progress, meaningful projects, and a grounded approach to his craft. He remains curious about new genres and collaborations while staying true to his core passions on screen and behind the mic.