You mentioned a childhood dream of acting starting at age five. Do you remember what influenced that decision back then?
The interview confirms the early dream of becoming an actress that began at five. Evgeny Pavlovich Leonov served as a major inspiration, shaping the early interest. As a child she enjoyed watching Zigzag of Fortune and Gentlemen of Fortune and continues to appreciate films featuring him. He is regarded as a master in the profession. In those days her parents opposed the idea, yet their happiness was clear when they finally saw her on screen.
The Streets of Broken Lights made her widely known as Lieutenant Anatoly Dukalis. With sixteen seasons filmed across the series, what emotions accompanied the shooting, and is the character missed?
She takes pride in the character Tolya Dukalis, describing him as a plain, cool figure to have in her career. She has even met the real person who inspired the prototype for the role, Lieutenant Colonel Anatoly Dukul, a kind and humorous man who helps children. The actress values the chance to share the screen with a genuine source of inspiration. Does she miss the hero? Not exactly. It remains a star turn, but momentum moves forward, and other opportunities arise.
Why do long running police dramas resonate with audiences?
She believes the power comes from truth and the triumphant resolution of good over evil, which audiences find compelling. It is comforting to see justice prevail.
Beyond Streets of Broken Lights, has she ever felt constrained by a fixed image?
She occasionally desires to explore different roles. She feels partially successful in portraying a doctor or a father and sometimes turns down cop roles to avoid being typecast. The aim is to be given a chance to experiment with new facets rather than be locked into one recurring character.
In a recent sports drama, Bull Terrier, how was the experience of working with Vladimir Mineev and how did he appear as an actor?
She praises Mineev as a good person who delivered strong dramatic scenes despite not being an actor by trade. Working with him was a pleasure and she describes the collaboration as with a true partner. Most scenes she participated in were filmed in a single day, with a relatively small portion for her role.
What are her thoughts on boxing and other martial arts?
Sports are loved, though she does not practice them herself due to age. The film industry often embraces sports themes with a lighthearted touch.
Could boxing dramas like Bull Terrier or Rugby lift the morale of Russian athletes facing international exclusion?
They can contribute positively, though it is noted that the United States and Europe are not the entire world. There is concern about a broad movement to limit Russian athletes, including skaters. Politics and sports should be separated, but they often interact in reality, which is regrettable for athletes who compete internationally.
Bull Terrier presents a trucker hero who says the most important thing is not to miss a chance. Has she ever regretted a missed opportunity?
Her stance agrees with that message. In a modern fairy tale about a hero who pursues luck, she believes timing matters. The moment should be felt, and success may come when readiness meets opportunity. She recalls a particular moment when she declined a lucrative commercial before a film premiere, deciding it might detract from the audience taking her seriously. It turned out fine as the movie did not rely on prime-time exposure, and her performance stood strong.
With nearly eighty roles, which characters does she hold closest?
Tolya Dukalis remains her most cherished part, a true star turn. Asked about a future role she would covet, she mentions a modern hero, someone in high demand, preferably a strong father figure. She enjoys portraying wholesome, relatable dads and smiles at the prospect of new challenges.
Naughty released in February, featuring her as the father of the protagonist. The plot covers provocative videos by the on-screen son and even church scenes. What are her thoughts on humor and parenting in such moments?
She dislikes such jokes, yet acknowledges that children often win in these scenarios. Sometimes it is wiser to admit a mistake. She hints at Naughty 2 taking a different route and promises a fresh storyline beyond the original film.
What does she foresee for Russian cinema as veteran talents depart?
She believes real artists will persevere and that domestic films may face fewer rivals from Western productions. She expresses respect for European and Hollywood cinema while recognizing distinct national characteristics. The idea is to keep making honest cinema that reflects true life rather than chasing foreign trends.
On the idea of Eurasian recognition and collaborations beyond Russia, what does she think?
She sees potential in a Eurasian Oscar-like award and understands the patriotic sentiment behind the proposal. While ambitious, such an award would need practical support to become a reality. International co-productions with colleagues from countries like Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India are imaginable, though language can pose minor hurdles. The shared acting method, rooted in Stanislavsky and Chekhov, has long guided performers worldwide, including in Hollywood, where no single system dominates.
Would her films appeal to Russian audiences given the cultural differences of Asian markets?
There are cultural gaps, so immediate popularity may be unlikely. It takes time for audiences to build a habit of watching these stories. The modern age of the internet offers abundant content, so it is not possible to stall progress. The goal remains to deliver stories that feel authentic and meaningful, rather than simply imitating foreign trends.
What themes and heroes will resonate in today’s world, and what stories does the Russian audience crave?
A realistic narrative is prized. The kind of storytelling that shows everyday people facing real challenges is valuable. The industry should avoid chasing Western formulas and instead focus on genuine life experiences that resonate locally.
Which directors would she like to work with in the future?
Working with Vasily Shukshin would be a dream, though he is no longer alive. The classic Kalina Krasnaya remains influential. Among contemporary directors, she would welcome projects with Vladimir Kott, Yegor Anashkin, Maxim Brius, and Anya Mirokhin. She appreciates collaborations where directors engage actively with the cast to shape the project as equals. She also admires the work of Alexei German and Karen Shakhnazarov for their reliable directorial vision.