On the network program Secret of a Million aired on the NTV channel, Sergei Zhukov, the frontman of Hands Up!, spoke candidly about a lifelong struggle with weight. He claimed that shedding pounds has stubbornly resisted him for two decades, despite an active quest for solutions and a willingness to explore every possible avenue. The singer described how efforts to lose weight became a recurring theme in his life, intertwined with the demands of a high‑visibility career and the pressure to perform at peak levels. He suggested that the pursuit of a healthier physique had shaped many of his choices, from daily routines to personal priorities, and that his story might resonate with others who face similar battles behind the spotlight.
According to Zhukov, the weight‑loss discipline began when he reached twenty years old. He said he has tested countless methods and consulted nearly every nutritionist available worldwide, noting that his interest lay more in theory than in the practical execution of a diet plan. He explained that he approached the topic with a curious mix of skepticism and determination, eager to understand how different dietary approaches could influence energy, stamina, and performance on stage. The public statements painted a portrait of a celebrity who scrutinizes every calorie and every lifestyle choice, while continuing to wrestle with the stubborn reality of long‑standing weight concerns.
Where the story got more provocative, Zhukov recalled being advised early in his career to take steroids to gain muscle mass. He chose not to follow that path, instead walking away from regular gym sessions because the increased muscular bulk would interfere with his piano playing, a crucial factor in his professional life. He reflected that the tension between physical power and artistic mobility was a real constraint during those years, shaping both his approach to training and his stage presence. The admission underscored the pressure performers face when industry expectations push them toward rapid physical changes that might compromise other talents they depend on.
From that point forward, he described a shift in how he perceived his own body. He said that the period left an imprint that lingered, guiding his attitude toward health and performance. He asserted that after those experiences, he does not remember feeling weak, a testament to the resilience he associates with surviving intense phases of growth and adaptation. The comments suggested a blend of pride and nostalgia, with a hint of caution about health, longevity, and the cost of chasing transformation in the public eye.
Meanwhile, the business side of the story moved into focus. The general director of Jem music publishing house, Andrey Cherkasov, announced that a lawsuit had been filed against Zhukov for the unauthorized use of about fifteen songs and phonograms. According to Jem, these works were used by the Hands Up! project in a film, and the publishing house holds the rights to those pieces. The development highlighted the friction that can arise when a performer who is also a creator draws from a catalog of works, raising questions about licensing, attribution, and the boundaries of creative reuse in music video productions.
Earlier reports hinted at potential high‑value legal action involving Zhukov, though details remained unclear. Observers noted that disputes of this kind often involve careful consideration of rights, royalties, and the proper crediting of musicians, especially when a band under a familiar brand uses archived material in new productions. The episode underscored how much of an impact intellectual property concerns can have on an artist’s career, from planning future releases to negotiating partnerships and festival appearances.
Taken together, the episode illustrates how public figures navigate personal health challenges while their professional lives are subject to intense scrutiny. The clash between public expectations, creative control, and legal obligations can shape the narrative around a celebrity as much as any hit song or chart position. For Zhukov, the weight of the past and the rights surrounding the group’s body of work remain intertwined, offering a case study in how a frontman balances music, health, and the business of making and protecting art.