In a conversation with actress Larisa Luzhina, it was noted that the musician Vladimir Vysotsky grew increasingly anxious about the lack of recognition for his work as a poet. This concern emerged from Luzhina’s recollections of his career during discussions she had about his artistic identity and the perception of his talents within the literary and cultural circles of his time. [Luzhina interview]
According to Luzhina, Vysotsky faced a chill in the process of being welcomed into what many regarded as the literary elite. His peers did not rush to elevate him to a status that many believed should be his due, at least not in the early stages of his career. The path to high regard in poetry, as described by Luzhina, was a steep climb and often dependent on the opinions of figures already established in the field. [Luzhina interview]
She recalled that Evtushenko and Rozhdestvensky were towering names in the literary world at that period. They enjoyed fame and held close friendships with Vladimir, yet they viewed him primarily as a songwriter rather than a bona fide poet. Luzhina emphasized that his verses possessed a certain simplicity that could be understood by a broad audience, including intellectuals, astronauts, workers, and peasants. The challenge, in her view, was that elegance and accessibility can be hard to fuse, and many feared that the true mark of poetry might be lost in plainspoken verses. [Luzhina interview]
Luzhina added that her meetings with Vysotsky occurred before she took part in the filming of Stanislav Govorukhin’s movie Vertical. She disclosed that she had a history with the musician’s first husband, cameraman Alexei Chardy, a bond that later dissolved. After their separation, Vysotsky and Luzhina drifted apart, only to reconnect later on the set of Govorukhin’s film. [Luzhina interview]
During their renewed acquaintance, Luzhina suggested that Vysotsky showed interest in her personally. She explained that the musician possessed a magnetic charm that drew the attention of many women, yet she described him as not overstepping boundaries with her. Their interactions remained cordial, and she highlighted that the relationship never progressed beyond friendship. She recalled that he was affable and affectionate, but the tempo of any potential romance did not advance beyond what both parties regarded as appropriate. [Luzhina interview]
In reflecting on his character, Luzhina pointed to a tendency in Vysotsky to be generous with his warmth and attentiveness, a trait that sometimes made people misread his romantic intentions. His approach, she suggested, could be misinterpreted as flirtation or a broader interest in intimate connections, while in truth it reflected a personal warmth and the social ease he carried. The overall mood she conveyed was one of measured, slow-blooming affection rather than rapid, boundary-crossing advances. [Luzhina interview]
It is also noted that Luzhina had previously denied calling Pugacheva cattle, a clarification that underscores the importance of careful public statements when discussing famous figures and controversial topics. The exchange illustrates how easily rumors can take on a life of their own, even when the individuals involved are trying to set the record straight. [Luzhina interview]