Actress Daria Melnikova teased on air that she has returned to the role of Zhenya for the sequel to the popular series Daddy’s Daughters, joking that Stockholm syndrome played a part in her decision. She spoke with humor about how the past experience shaped her perspective on the project and what drew her back to the familiar character. Her lighthearted remarks underscored the strong connection she feels to the role and to the show’s universe, where fans have followed her journey from the early days to the new installment.
Melnikova reflected on the challenging working conditions she faced during the original production. She described a grueling routine that tested the limits of stamina and determination, noting that the environment demanded resilience and a steady commitment to the craft. Despite the hardships, she emphasized the growth that came from overcoming those obstacles and the professional bonds that formed as a result.
She recalled being welcomed into the production, accommodated after long shifts, and provided meals to help sustain the demanding schedule. In her telling, the experience also involved periods of isolation, where family and friends weren’t always nearby, and the intensity of the work left little room for normal daily life. The anecdote highlighted the sacrifices actors sometimes make to bring beloved stories to audiences, and the shared sacrifice within a tight-knit cast and crew.
Melnikova joked about the practicalities of her travel documents, revealing that her passport status became a talking point only after filming concluded. The lighthearted confession served to illustrate the operational side of a hectic filming cycle and the ways in which personal circumstances can intersect with professional commitments in the entertainment industry.
Her playful remark about getting married quickly in reaction to the logistics offered a candid glimpse into the pressures and decisions artists sometimes navigate in pursuit of passion and career opportunities. The comment embodies a blend of humor and honesty about personal choices influenced by timing, opportunity, and the realities of a demanding filming schedule.
The new installment of Daddy’s Girls, subtitled New, hit screens on September 18, continuing the narrative with Venik stepping into the shoes of Sergei Vasnetsov as seen in the original. In the revival, Dasha, Venik’s wife (played by Anastasia Sivaeva), faces a separation that leaves the young father to raise their daughters solo, testing his resolve and resourcefulness as he balances love, responsibility, and family life in a modern context.
The cast welcomed familiar faces back to their defining roles, including Philip Bledny, Miroslava Karpovich, Nonna Grishaeva, Elizaveta Arzamasova, Anastasia Sivaeva, and Ekaterina Starshova. New additions joined Vita Kornienko, Eva Smirnova, Polina Ainutdinova, and Polina Denisova, expanding the ensemble and bringing fresh dynamics to the beloved ensemble comedy-drama. The return of core performers alongside new talent aimed to honor the legacy of the series while injecting contemporary energy into the storyline.
Earlier reports noted that the star faced a troubling episode involving scammers, a reminder of the vulnerabilities public figures can encounter. The incident underscored the importance of safeguarding personal and professional information in the digital age, a concern shared by many in the industry who navigate public scrutiny and rising risks online.