– Having learned about the “kidney” idea, producer Semyon Slepakov said the series will not be for television. Why do you think that is?
– I think you should ask Semyon. (Laughs). Still, the kidney story feels very taboo and TV censorship is part of the reality now. It would be best to ask him directly, though.
Tell us about your heroine, Maria Kustova. What is she like, and what can audiences anticipate in season two?
“Of course that little thing. I have never played heroes like this before — confident and astonishingly beautiful. She is also cautious and cool, and a sense of regret waits for her in the second season. The second season shifts its focus. It centers on love, and my character will have a romantic arc as well.”
– Do you share any traits with Kustova?
– The only similarity lies in looks. Beyond that, there’s not much I can reveal about hidden aspects of myself.
– The plot positions your heroine as the wife of Dmitry Lysenkov’s character. How did you collaborate with Dmitry and the team overall?
– Working with Dima was a privilege. I admire him as an artist and as a person. He’s incredibly talented, precise, and funny. The whole Kidney team works beautifully together. It’s a joy to be part of this project’s community. I’m grateful to Maria Shulgina and Elizaveta Tikhonova for their writing, and to the entire crew, who feel like a perfect match. Dima is a friend and a colleague I deeply respect.
What impressed you most during filming?
– The moments with the whole Kustov clan on set stand out. They feel like a lively Addams family, each member bringing wild energy and deep pain to their roles. I recall the day we shot near a boat with rain heavy on July days. Dima and I sprinted across a massive platform while the director called us to push harder. A priestly robe, wet hair, the chase, and the moment when I kicked off my sandals. The director’s radio crackled, urging us to run faster. We laughed and finished the scene in what felt like a 500-meter dash.
Tell us about the start of your career. After graduating from the Shchepkinsky Theater School, did you aim for theater or dream of film?
– Honestly, I planned to stay in theater and saw cinema as something distant. I believed an artist is made in the theater. But fate had other plans. During a performance of Zoyka’s Apartment, Tatyana Khrechkova, the casting director for Kitchen, attended and invited me to audition for the series. That invitation pulled me into film, and I fell in love with it. Theater still matters, but cinema found its way to me.
– What does playing Dmitry Nazarov’s daughter in Kitchen mean to you, and how do you remember him?
– It was a pivotal role as my cinema debut. It brought nerves, excitement, and growth. I am deeply grateful to Dmitry Dyachenko and the Yellow, Black and White team for their trust. They saw something in a fresh graduate who hadn’t acted on screen yet and gave her a leading role. That moment changed everything for me.
– Do you stay in touch with anyone from the Kitchen crew?
– Yes, friendship endures with several colleagues, including Olya Kuzmina, Misha Bashkatov, and Masha Gorban. It’s always great to reconnect and pick up conversations where they left off.
Did you need to learn new skills for these roles?
– Every project brings growth. For Limitchitsy, I learned how to operate weaving machines used by factory workers. The work is hands-on and demanding, and I even picked up a second job if needed. For Kitchen, I studied the basics of molecular cuisine, learned proper knife handling, and how to cut ingredients with precision.
What projects are you currently involved in?
– I’m in a theater production of Pygmalion, where I portray Eliza Doolittle. I’ve taken the lead role of Katrin in 8 Loving Women. Filming of a new project is scheduled for July, but details can’t be revealed yet. Recent premieres include Limitchitsy on Rossiya and the second Kidney in the KION online cinema. I’m also excited about Vladimir Mirzoev’s Inside the Killer, where I play a drug-addicted prostitute—a role I feel fortunate to tackle.
– When the children grew older, did balancing motherhood with acting become easier? (Valeria is mother to two boys, born in 2018 and 2020.)
– Not exactly easier. The kids still crawl under the bed during interviews, and breastfeeding moments happen on the fly, which keeps life hectic. They are more independent now, but new age-related challenges arrive as they grow.
– Do you ever feel exhausted? How do you recover and stay on track?
– Exhaustion does arrive, especially after a demanding project like Limitchitsy where a major role was involved. There were moments of doubt about what comes next. In those times, I pause, breathe, and simply live. I read, observe, slow down, and stay grounded. There’s no need to panic. This phase will pass, and everyone feels the weight of heavy work at times.
– How do you like to spend your free time?
– Free time is scarce—there are kids, theater, and filming. When there is a window, a walk or a solo visit to the hammam is wonderfully restorative.
– Years ago you spoke about an eating disorder and bulimia. What triggered this and what helped you recover?
– The challenge began during my institute days. I believed I was too heavy and tried to starve myself. A turning point came without an expert, but with a strong will to survive. Today, I see how social media’s polished lives can mislead young people and worsen insecurities. It is a sad truth we must acknowledge as a community. I hope to help others by being honest about my experience.
What advice would you give to someone facing a similar struggle?
– First, be honest about the problem. If weight concerns dominate thinking, admit that there is an addiction at play. If needed, seek professional help. Don’t fall into endless comparisons on social media. Real bodies are gifts, and respect for oneself is essential. It’s a long journey, but the change is worth it. Looking back, recovery reshaped life in meaningful ways.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
– Don’t betray your own truth. If doubts arise, follow what feels right for you, even if it’s uncertain. Stay true to yourself.
Notes: This interview was adapted to reflect the subject’s recent work and public statements while preserving the intent and voice of the conversation. It cites public appearances, film work, and collaborations mentioned during the discussion with the interviewee and colleagues.
[cited sources: Maria Shulgina, Elizaveta Tikhonova, Kitchen production team, Limitchitsy, Kidney projects, Limitchitsy cast, Kitchen supporting cast]