Rashid Dairabaev is tired of hiding the non-traditional sexual orientation of his ward. In order not to sleep with his wife, Baskov convinced her that both before and after the performance of the aria, one should not have sex for two days ... “Kolya is the most insecure gay I have ever met in my life!” Said the ex-producer of the singer.
Not so long ago, we visited the former producer Nikolai Baskov Rashid Dairabaev in the hospital. The media wrote about a unique technique by which, after a stroke and a hypertensive crisis, the legend of show business is restored, and they kept silent that the cause of Rashid Yakubzhanovich's illness was the separation from the ward and the reaction to the nasty things that the singer dumped on his producer.
RASHID YAKUBZHANOVICH in the hospital ward
The journalists met with Rashid in a sanatorium near Moscow, where he continues to put his health undermined by show business in order, and asked him to tell the truth about Nikolai. And not the noodles that are printed in glossy magazines.
Many believe that in your relationship with Nikolai, his scandalous interview in the Rolling Stone music publication, where Baskov calls you a thief, traitor and homosexual, played a fatal role. On the Internet until now, at the mention of your last name, all this garbage falls out. Why are you silent? Why don't you react to rudeness? Are you afraid of his powerful father-in-law, Senator Spiegel?
After Nikolai's delirium in Rolling Stone, one well-known investor, with whom I had signed an agreement on the promotion of one R&B team, broke off the 1.5 million contract with me. The parents of the guys, having read the interview of the Russian pop star, asked the investor to take their children away from me, without understanding the essence of the issue. It's just that for them the Basque is an authority, the Basque is a star. Only they did not think about those who lit this star. My parents asked me to get out of the contract as the general producer of the team. So, thanks to Kolya's drunken ravings, at least $1,500,000 of damage was done to my business reputation.
It's strange, because in show business they have long said that Nikolai seems to be gay himself. They don’t write about it just because not a single photographer has yet managed to catch him with his lover. True, after his marriage and the birth of his son, conversations on this topic ceased.
No one just tried to take a picture. I got tired of hiding the fact that Baskov is a real homosexual, but I never paid attention to it. I believe that in the 21st century, whoever wants to, and f ... tsya, excuse me, lives. Kolya is the most notorious gay I have ever met in my life. Of course, as a person who stood at the origins of his career, I know everything, but who cares. This is everyone's personal life. His complexes related to the topic of homosexuality developed from his first steps on stage. That is why he began to intensively push photos with his wife to the press, hence the unreasonable and constant falling on one knee in front of any woman who came on stage to give him flowers. Hence these calls at concerts to give not flowers, but diapers for a child. Hooray! Event! It did happen. After five years of marriage, he became a father! Got it, finally!
KOLYA: with a friend, St. Petersburg antiquarian Sasha
Hence his interview. Baskov shouts to everyone that, they say, he is not gay, that he loves women, that he is a hero father. But it has long been known that a hat on a thief is on fire. Although, frankly, I did not understand the silence of Sveta, whom I knew as an October boy and in whose presence this interview was given.
Of course, I'm not afraid of Boris Spiegel. I have developed very warm friendships with this family over the years. I traveled half the world with them, was in all sorts of troubles, learned a lot of good things from the head of the family, a person I respected and kind.
I did not want to react to the attacks of the boy, who was created by Boris Spiegel through his financial capabilities, connections, talent and gift of foresight. Yes, and my friends, respected people, said that I should not pay attention to the PR-exits of the former ward. But it's so insulting when you are silent, and they continue to smear you with mud. This idiotic intelligence, the desire to keep everything inside yourself and laid me on a hospital bed.
- You spent most of the summer in the hospital. Nicholas came to visit you?
In life, the Basques walk "over the corpses." He doesn't need a sick ex-friend.
Wedding: once Nikolai and Svetlana felt behind the producer's back like behind a stone wall
- Why did Nikolai so stupidly, in fact, for no reason insulted you?
Just because. He did not even think to offend, blurted out what came to mind, and his intelligence is zero. We once flew in an airplane for four hours. At the beginning of the flight, I gave him the simplest scanword. He only dealt with them. Before landing, I look at what he guessed, and there are only five words written in the cells.
- How did you meet Baskov?
On the morning of May 9, 1999, I woke up from a call from Boris Spiegel, who announced to me that today we were all going to the Theater of the Soviet Army for the creative evening of Alexander Morozov, in which famous artists of Moldova, Belarus and Russia take part.
In the evening we arrived at the concert and, having familiarized ourselves with the composition of the participants, sat down in the stalls. Borya tells me that a young guy named Baskov will soon appear on the stage, whose performance he needs to watch at the request of State Duma Chairman Gennady Seleznev.
Something sexless floated onto the stage, all dressed in white. Zhenya, Spiegel's wife, and I almost fell off our chairs from laughter. And then it sang "In Memory of Caruso." I can't say anything, it was well done. We liked. After the concert, the composer Morozov invited the guests to a buffet table, where Baskov was also brought. He again came in all white, said hello in position, emphasizing that he was a tenor. He said that he should not eat anything, only warm water can be drunk without gas. Zhenya and I laughed for a long time. After this concert, Boris kept asking me, a person from show business, my opinion on what he saw. I was extremely laconic and said that this niche is free and he can occupy it with a good investment of money, with good management. Then Boris Isaakovich offered me to take the place of executive producer.
- How was a star made from Kolya?
First of all, we went with Boris Isaakovich to dress him. Nikolai arrived at the boutique in some tight-fitting short pants. They were two sizes too small for him. Well, we got a bunch of costumes, we give Kolya - try on. He asks to leave the booth and draw the curtain. We are shocked. After all, there are only men in the store. Without waiting for him to call, they pulled back the curtain to see, and he was there without panties. At first I thought - a pervert, and then Boris and I guessed that if Kolya had put on underpants, then the pants in which he arrived would definitely not fit on him then.
It took six months to select songs, costumes, ballet, arrangers, clip makers. There was everything: trips to competitions, meetings with Obraztsova, Kazarnovskaya, and lessons in stage movement, the latter was never taught to him. In a word, he created the image of a positive hero-lover. Created...
CREATIVE UNION: Dairabaev, Spiegel, Basque and Montserrat Caballe...
Soon went dizzying full houses, first places in the charts, fees, from which the boy's head was blown away. He did not believe that before meeting with Spiegel, he participated in morning concerts with me at the Bolshoi and received $ 200 per month of work. Why labor? Yes, because there you need to sing Lensky's aria live. And then I drove past the concert hall "Russia", exactly at 20 o'clock went on stage, danced one or two songs. Why did you dance? Yes, because the tape recorder sings, and the one who should sing only opens his mouth. I put at least 6,000 bucks in my pocket for this, kissed Rashid and hello. SPA salons, manicures, pedicures, masks, endless hair highlighting, leeches, massages. Then until four in the morning a continuous nativity scene.
He comes home, and the performance for Elena Nikolaevna's own mother begins. One - for her, the other - for his wife, amuses, father-in-law. And the whole truth all these years I have.
- Do you mean the second - blue life?
It didn't start all of a sudden. In distant Novosibirsk, he met a gentleman who then headed the Club of Friends of the Bolshoi Theater. He introduced him to conductor Mark Ermler. He, moving to Moscow, invited Baskov to the Bolshoi Theater for the position of trainee soloist. Here it started. Military choir, familiar blue uncles, including the military. Nikolay especially loved the generals, well, they liked him too. By hook or by crook, Baskov gets into the concert group of the composer Alexander Morozov, who introduces him to the daughter of the leading St. Petersburg program "Musical Ring" Tamara Maximova - Anastasia Maximova.
He begins to chase after her, to play the role of a young man in love. But, of course, nothing happens. Nicholas has other interests.
I remember he was eager to go on tour to the Riga seaside, to Dzintari. I wondered why, but it turned out that someone had told him that there was a chic gay club in Riga. Nikolay quickly completed the concert, got his guards drunk so that they would lose their vigilance, and, yawning, allegedly went to bed in his room. Ten minutes later, the powdered one comes after me, together we go to the parking lot, take a taxi and go to Riga to look for Kolya's love.
- In Europe and America, every second star does this. Why hide?
Ask him. One Italian opera diva somehow approached Baskov and said literally the following: “Kolya, you need to open at the peak of popularity. At this point, people don't care if you're gay or not. But then you can live in peace.
Nikolay Baskov, Sergey Lazarev, Philip Kirkorov
But I repeat, gay, not gay - it really doesn't matter. The point is different. Everything comes down to money. According to the agreement, Basque was supposed to receive 40 percent of all profits and received them immediately from the moment the contract was signed. After that, he seduced the daughter of Boris and Evgenia Shpigel, turned her head and got married. I was against this marriage and spoke openly about it. He said that Baskov is not who he claims to be, that he is only interested in money. And so it turned out. After the wedding, he asks me to persuade Boris Isaakovich to give up the 40 percent due to him in his favor. This is motivated by the fact that he is now a son-in-law, that money is needed for a young family. I talked to Boris and he agreed. He said 20 percent for you, Rashid, and 80 percent for your son-in-law.
Didn't he know that his son-in-law was gay?
Yes, Boris Isaakovich, okay. How does Sveta live with him? That's what's amazing. He told her that for two days - before and after the concert - he was strictly forbidden to have sex. I sat with him in the recording studios until four, five in the morning, we just watched TV, listened to music, laughed. I understood that Kolya was waiting to come when Sveta fell asleep.
Some of his calls from Spain, where they went on their honeymoon, are worth something. “Rashidik, I have a holiday. I'm lounging by the pool. Sveta flooded, went to the room, her hair will dry for two hours, and I will go to a restaurant, take a break from my marital duty. You can’t even imagine what kind of waiters are here - you can’t take your eyes off.
By the way, it is true that Nikolai has undergone plastic surgery several times and sucked fat?
These are inventions of the newspaper "Life". Kolya did only teeth and hair. No fat suction. He sat on strict diets, lived in the gym, constant massages and leeches. If necessary, Nikolai always quickly brought himself into good shape. In this regard, he is a hard worker and a great fellow.
It is felt that, in spite of everything, you do not hold a grudge against him and treat him like your child.
I stopped following his work because it hurts me what I see in his performance. I want to ask him: Kolya, why didn’t I sleep at night? To see this horror? I know that he no longer has the fees that he had. His attacks on me are also a PR move so that people read these articles and say, albeit badly, but if only they would speak, if only they would pay for tickets to his concerts.
- So, it means that you are now helping him to collect cash with your interview?
It turns out, yes.
- High relationship. By the way, what are you doing now?
I'm recovering (laughs). But seriously, I'm going to do a new project - singer Maxim Katyrev. A talented person with a great voice. He is a laureate of various vocal competitions, a baritone.
BARITONO MAXIM KATYREV: Dairabaev's new protégé
I don't want to talk about him anymore. I don’t want Baskov to say later that thanks to him I am promoting a new artist. Although, if Boris Isaakovich Shpigel had not had me in his life, he would never have become involved in show business and, accordingly, Baskov would have had nothing at all. And when they say “talent will always find its way”, this is such nonsense! Look how many talented people sing in our passageways and restaurants.
Graduated from the Moscow Correspondence Credit and Financial Institute with a degree in economics.
1988 - 1991 - Director of the All-Union Central Creative Studio for Gifted Children "Tender May".
1991 -1992 - director of Igor Sarukhanov.
1992 -1993 - director Vika Tsyganova.
1999 - 2005 - executive producer of Nikolai Baskov.
“We are both already beaten by life: we have a divorce behind us, the baggage of previous relationships, we have children. Therefore, we do not rush, do not force events, do not make plans, but simply enjoy life ... "Nikolai Baskov and his girlfriend Sophie, whom the singer officially introduced at the New Wave festival in Jurmala, talk about their romance for the first time.
Nikolai, are you ready for the fact that, after reading this interview, someone will say: “Another PR novel!”, And about Sophie, they say, the girl got a good job next to him?
I have no doubt that people will discuss, condemn, speculate. And that's okay. Since I am a public person, it means that my relationship is in plain sight. Accordingly, there will always be those who want to comment on my novel, to say that this is PR, window dressing. But today it doesn't hurt me. Truth. On a personal level, I don’t want to adapt to public opinion anymore, to explain something to someone, to prove it ... You know, I’m already at that age and status when I can afford to live the way I see fit. Still, life is one, and it is not endless, as it seemed at the age of 20. More than once I buried friends who left suddenly, in the prime of life - my peers, someone younger ... And at such moments you understand that everything can end at any moment - there will be no second chance to live life. That is why I want to be happy here and now. No regard for other people's opinions.
At the moment, the only thing that matters to me is that I feel comfortable next to Sophie. We have a harmonious relationship. And as for the calculation on her part, it's just ridiculous. Sophie is a well-established, financially independent girl who has always lived in good conditions. Her grandfather was not a poor man - at one time the family capital was successfully invested. We are not talking about some unthinkable amounts, but there is no point in looking for a man who should provide her with a comfortable old age.
- And where did you meet such a self-sufficient young lady?
Sophie is a singer, so we have a lot of mutual acquaintances. Here we met.
Sophie: We first met 10 years ago at a party. We were introduced, Kolya even treated me to sushi. He just completely forgot about it!
Nicholas: I was married then, was a faithful husband and did not look around. I remember our other meeting - about five years ago. Then they periodically crossed paths in the same company - they sang karaoke, danced on the dance floor until the morning. We talked in a friendly way. A year ago, something inside clicked. We started looking at each other more closely. (With a smile.) I soon let Sophie know that I was interested in her as a girl and that I had the most serious intentions towards her. Sophie hinted back that she didn't mind. (Laughs.)
Sophie: I came to Moscow from Kazakhstan to enter the State School of Circus and Variety Arts. In my city, I often participated in parody contests - Anzhelika Varum was my crown number. At one of the competitions, this educational institution was advised to me. She entered, graduated with a degree in pop art, worked as a soloist for a year and a half at the State Theater of Variety Performances "Music Agency" by Lev Leshchenko. At the same time, with his help, two clips were filmed - “Don't Leave” and “Three Mysterious Tulips”. After that, again at the suggestion of Lev Valeryanovich, I began to collaborate with the famous producer Yuri Aizenshpis, with whom we shot my third video. And then I began a stormy personal life - I got married, became pregnant. What stunned Yuri Shmilevich. But we agreed that as soon as I recover from the birth, we will return to our cooperation. Unfortunately, this did not happen: a disaster happened - Aizenshpis died. And for several years I completely immersed myself in household chores, raising my son. But when Bogdan was four years old, my husband and I divorced. Fortunately, we remained on good terms with him, he communicates with the child. I am grateful to him for his son and for love, although she is in the past. Now he has a new family: a wife and a little daughter.
My son is already nine years old. And I (looking expressively at Nikolai) again something very important is happening in my personal life. And in a career. After all, I recently received a diploma as a producer - I want to try myself in this capacity as well.
- And in these areas, acquaintance with Baskov is most welcome ...
Nicholas: I hope Sophie will help me as a producer. As for singing… Look, she sings really well, I have nothing to do with it! (Laughs.) There are plans to record a joint song and shoot a video. We recently returned from Barcelona - I shot a video there for my new song "Zaya, I love you!". So, believe me, Sophie not only helped organize the process, she literally overshadowed the beautiful model that I invited to star in the video! In general, she is wise, my girlfriend, did not leave me alone in the company of a beauty. (Laughs) I spent a couple of days shooting, and then Sonya and I enjoyed the atmosphere of Barcelona - we sat in cafes, walked, I showed my favorite places in the city. We like to travel together - we have already rested together in the Maldives, in Turkey, we went to Riga ...
- And yet what "hooked" you in each other?
You know, I noticed a long time ago: people converge on interests. Whoever you take from my environment: Presnyakov - Podolskaya, Nikolaev - Proskuryakova, Agutin - Varum, Pugacheva - Galkin ... These couples not only live together, they breathe the same air, do the same thing. Therefore, next to me it would be strange to see a girl of a different profession. It is extremely important for me that the beloved woman understands me, that we are on the same emotional wavelength with her. For example, it is vital for me that at the moment when I perform on stage, she is sitting in the hall or standing backstage, or when I come home at night and I urgently need to discuss a new song, I could find understanding and sincere interest. I really need this.
Sophie: Kolya is an unusually emotional, sensitive person. At the same time, he amazes me with his energy. I love to watch how he works, how he communicates with friends, fans, how easily he finds a common language with any person, he likes me. He knows how to create a holiday. How many times have I witnessed such a picture ... The company is sitting, no one is in the mood, occasionally they exchange words - mortal boredom. But as soon as Kolya appears, in five minutes everyone is laughing and smiling! He has a gift for sharing a good mood. At the same time, as I already understood, from time to time he needs to be alone, just be silent. And at such a time, you should not pester him with questions and conversations. But it doesn't last long! A long silence is not about Kolya! (Laughs.)
Nicholas: Like any creative person, I need to take a break from people from time to time. For example, I recently flew to Thailand, to a weight loss clinic - I took a weekly course of cleansing the body there. And although Sophie gently hinted that I should take her with me, I flew alone. Still, I didn’t go there to rest, a diet is a certain job, as it implies a regime, restrictions. In addition, it turned out that I chose a hotel where a mobile phone can only be used in the room! That is, all the conditions in order not to be distracted by the events of the outside world. I had the opportunity to think about life. But in the evening Sophie called to see how I was doing, and we spent several hours talking. (Laughs.)
Sophie: What can I say, with Kolya it is unusually easy and ... comfortable.
Nicholas: It's comfortable with me! I'm as comfortable as a sofa! (Laughs.) In fact, we understand each other perfectly. Sophie is not one of those who throw tantrums or scenes of jealousy, who endlessly demand something and make claims. On the contrary, she does everything to make me feel good. This attitude is new to me. I am grateful to all the women with whom fate connected me, but ... It just so happened that I always, probably, invested a little more in relationships. Often the message of my girlfriends was this: if he is good, then I should be super good. And now it's the other way around. Sonya first of all thinks about making me feel good. She manages to surround me with attention and care, while not being overly intrusive. In short, I don't feel any pressure from Sophie. It fascinates me and binds me to her even more.
Sophie: I feel like we've known each other for a hundred years. True, I still can’t get used to his surprises... For example, the doorbell rings - I open it, and on the threshold a courier with a bunch of flowers ... Kolya is one of those rare men who do not need to hint what you want to receive as a gift, just look at it . (Laughs.) I feel embarrassed at times: it is worth throwing a glance at the store window - Kolya immediately drags me inside and buys half of everything they have. And, believe me, there are no options for retreat. (Laughs.) Sometimes he buys dresses for me, and he always guesses the size.
Nicholas: Firstly, Sophie has a miniature, chiseled figure, so choosing a dress for her is not difficult. And secondly, I accurately determine at a glance which outfit is perfect for any of my suits, so the purchase decision matures quickly. As for joint purchases, it is really interesting for me to watch how a woman tries on new clothes, how she looks at herself in the mirror, how her eyes burn. And if I have the opportunity to please my beloved - how can I refuse this pleasure to myself and her?!
- Can your relationship with Sophie be called a civil marriage?
We have a guest marriage, and at the moment such a relationship suits both. Anyway, I think so. (Laughs) We meet when there is an opportunity. Still, both of us are already beaten by life to a certain extent: we have a divorce behind us, the baggage of previous relationships, we have children. Therefore, we do not rush, do not force events, do not make plans, but simply enjoy life ... More often I visit Sophie in her country house, because so far she is more comfortable in her own territory. Plus she has a son.
Women tend to be more certain in relationships...
Sophie: And I am no exception. But I fully agree with Kolya: there is no need to hurry. Well, besides, I feel that Kolya is still watching me, looking closely, studying. Although he tries not to show it. Of course, like any woman, I want a family, more children, but I will never rush a man. For me, in principle, in close relationships in the first place - a man. I am not one of those who pull the blanket over myself, on the contrary, I am ready to adapt, to compromise.
- How was the first meeting between Nikolai and your son?
At first, Bogdan was embarrassed, quieted down. It is not surprising - before that he saw Kolya only on TV, and then suddenly live. But he is a calm, adequate boy. There was no jealousy on his part, and there was no reason for that. It is clear that Kolya is not going to replace Bogdan's father - he has his own, and they communicate well. But for me, as a mother, it is important that they get along.
Nicholas: We found a common language with him easily, and it happened in the most natural way. Firstly, I love children, and secondly, cartoons. First, we watched an animated movie together at the cinema, and then went to the toy store. Bogdan is a wonderful boy, brought up. He calls me Uncle Kolya. Unfortunately, the topic of children is painful for me - after all, my own son is growing up, Bronislav, with whom, as it happened, we do not communicate, we do not see each other. I can’t help but think about it ... I recently spoke with Sophie, and she, as if by the way, dropped: “Let me give birth to you a child - a girl!” But I honestly answered that I'm not ready yet. I repeat: for me this is a sore subject, I still cannot discuss it ...
- Nikolai, have you told your parents about your new novel?
Sophie met them after one of my performances in Moscow. Backstage, I introduced them to each other.
Sophie: Kolya's are amazing. And it is clear that they love their son infinitely, they are proud of him. All the time that we talked, we talked exclusively about Kolya. Elena Nikolaevna recalled that she always wanted him to connect his life with the stage, and dad saw him in sports - a swimmer. And my mother also emphasized that Kolya loves to eat deliciously, so he needs to be well fed. (Laughs.) I try not to let you down. Another thing is that Kolya goes on a diet more often than I do.
Nicholas: The only thing Sophie asked me to do was make me cheesecakes for breakfast, my mother's signature dish. I love it very much. (Smiling.) For my mother, the main thing is that I be healthy. I know that my parents will accept any of my choices and will never allow themselves to discuss it (it is not customary in our family). For them, first of all, it is important that I feel good and comfortable. Of course, they dream that I have a family, more children, but, I repeat, they will never interfere in my personal life with advice and comments. And they liked Sophie, you can be sure!
How did your friends take Sophie?
I introduced Sophie to them at the New Wave in Jurmala. Still, the time has come when it was already necessary to step out of the shadows. (Smiling.) And again, everything happened in the most natural way. For example, on one of the days of the festival, Maxim Galkin called with an offer to come to them with Alla and have lunch together. I decided to stop by for five minutes, but Sonya did not go - somehow she was not ready to get acquainted with Alla Borisovna so immediately. As a result, as soon as I entered, from the threshold I heard from Pugacheva: “Well, where is your girlfriend? Give her here! Alla Borisovna, as usual, is up to date with all the news. (Laughs) Sophie came in timidly. Alla Borisovna looked at her, turned to me: “Well, another creative tandem?” “Well, yes,” I say in response. "That's right, everyone in the family!" In fact, everyone warmly welcomed Sophie, as it should be for adequate people. After some gatherings, when Sophie came out, Ani Lorak whispered to me: “Listen, she suits you!” Fifteen minutes of conversation was enough for her to come to this conclusion.
- Nikolai, do you think the experience of past relationships helps to avoid mistakes in new ones?
And I'm not afraid to make mistakes - I'm a self-confident man. And in general I try to take it easy on everything. You need to hurry to live and enjoy every moment. They say correctly: "While you complain about life, it passes." If something doesn’t work out in a couple’s relationship, why spoil each other’s nerves and take up time? We must part, saying thank you to each other for what happened. Completely agree with Marquez who wrote: “Don't cry because it's over; smile because it was!”
I am a happy person - I have something to remember. And now I enjoy life, I appreciate it and I am immensely grateful for what I have. The Lord gives me the opportunity to do what I love. I have my audience, fans, I earn enough to live decently myself and provide the same life for my loved ones. And finally, I love and love! Why think about some mistakes?
Marina KUZNETSOVA, TV WEEK
Photo by Vladimir SHIROKOV
In late autumn, an idle viewer, switching channels, could not help but stumble upon this clip, where a young man with a peach complexion diligently sang Italian words. ╚Nikolai Baskov ╚In memory of Caruso╩ √ read the caption. Controversy erupted in music circles. Someone claimed that the young man did not sing himself, someone accused him of sugariness and pop, and brutal rockers simply wrinkled their noses.
The first video was followed by the second, then the third, and on March 23, Nikolai Baskov gives his first solo concert at the State Central Concert Hall ╚Russia╩. The concert is timed to coincide with the release of the singer's debut album ╚Dedication╩, and considerable effort has been invested in it: opera prima Lyubov Kazarnovskaya, the dance ensemble led by Igor Moiseev, the Presidential Orchestra and many others will take part in the concert. In addition, our hero, it turns out, is not so simple: an artist of the Bolshoi Theater, traveled half the world with concerts, studied with the greatest singers of the twentieth century.
All this, of course, gives rise to curiosity. We call up the singer, arrange a meeting: ╚Okay, let's meet in a cafe, next to the Metelitsa casino. It says ╚Race Racing╩ and something related to coffee╩. At the appointed time, I approach the appointed place and find that key words are written on two adjacent doors in order of priority, but the doors lead to completely different establishments. In neither one nor the other is there anything resembling Nikolai Baskov. I smoke viciously in the middle - on the street, under wet snow, when suddenly I see a marvelous picture: a young man in a luxurious fur coat to his heels and with a mobile phone in his hand is moving along Novy Arbat. Recovering from such magnificence, I call out - indeed, he is. We settle into a cafe, I continue to look at him: short, very blond hair, there really is something soft and feminine in features, dressed in a stylish and obviously expensive suit. Having dealt with dessert, we start a conversation:
- First of all, tell us a little about yourself. Where were you born when you started making music?
And it is necessary? I was born in Moscow, I traveled a lot with my parents around the country, since my father served. He studied at an ordinary music school, then at a music school at the conservatory in Novosibirsk, then, from eleven to fifteen years old, at the musical theater of the Young Actor. At the age of sixteen or seventeen, I studied at GITIS, then, as I dreamed of singing, I entered the Russian Academy of Music. Gnesins. Now I am a fourth-year student, because I took an academic leave due to concert trips.
- Did you want to become a musician yourself or is it the will of your parents?
No, well, of course, my mother put me at the piano from early childhood - she thought that I would be a great pianist. Then they made an athlete out of me. I am a professional swimmer, I have the second category, I was engaged in surfing and scuba diving. He began to study vocals at the age of sixteen. I have my own teacher, with whom I study constantly, and those of the greats of this world with whom I met made some corrections of their own.
- With whom exactly from the "great ones of this world" do you know?
With many. With Jose Carreras, with Evgeny Svetlanov, with Western conductors; with ╚our╩ opera stars √ with Lyubov Kazarnovskaya, for example, we even have a joint project (by the way, the duet of Baskov and Kazarnovskaya will be performed at a concert on March 23 √ Z.R).
- And with Galina Vishnevskaya?
We do not know each other personally, but I attended her master classes. Most of all I was struck by the meeting with Carreras. When I sang in his honor, he gave a standing ovation, and then, when we met, he spoke very simply and on an equal footing. He said that he started with classical and ends with pop music, and I can start with popular pop and end with classics - it won't hurt. Invited to his master class in Spain.
- And why, in fact, did you decide to engage in pop music? You are an opera singer.
In the West, there is such a tendency - all opera singers, and tenors in particular, combine classical singing with a variety show. In New York, I got on the Sarah Brightman show, and I was struck by the fact that an opera singer performs both pop and classical. But the press never releases any barbs at her, because she is a very professional person. And I thought, why don't I try this? I realized that I can, and it turns out professionally. Many recording studios were interested in what I was doing and offered to collaborate.
Yes, but the specificity of our show business is in its division into genres. And an artist who once declared himself in "pop" may simply not be washed off this stigma later.
Everything changes in our life. We must do our job professionally, and then history will show. Utyosov also got it at first, and then he was declared a genius. I think the most important thing is health and a favorite thing. It's enough for me that I go out on the opera stage and start singing. When you are called for an encore seven times and are given a standing ovation, it says a lot. At the last concerts, the audience meets not with applause, but with silence, like: “Well, let's see what you can really do. The clip is, of course, good, beautiful, but let's listen live╩. But I judge by the way they see me off, and I'm satisfied.
- Who are your favorite composers?
Moscani, Verdi and Tchaikovsky.
- What is your current opera repertoire, and what else would you like to sing?
I now have two parts ready - Lensky in "Eugene Onegin" and Alfred in "La Traviata". I also teach Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly and plan to sing Cavaradossi in Tosca later. But since I am still very young, many people say that the most important thing is that I do not rush. That is, everything is in order, but everything should be measured. If you feel that you are ready to sing, then you should sing. My dream is to sing Radames in ╚Aida╩, Othello, by the age of 32-33.
The career of an opera singer begins at the age of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, especially with a tenor. Western artists were generally surprised how I sing at twenty-two.
You are the youngest performer of Lensky's part at the Bolshoi Theatre. Why do you think the Russian opera has such a situation that the roles of young characters are sung by people of very middle age and by no means the first freshness?
Now the level of professionalism has fallen in Russia. We have a lot of talented young opera singers, but they all leave for the West. And people of the old school remain to sing. Opera is such a genre. In the West, they believe that if you are young and talented, then some technical problems with vocals that you have will disappear and be polished during your life. The public and the press understand this.
- Aren't you aspiring to the West?
Maybe Russia would not have seen me, because there was a period when I was ready to leave. After speaking at the President's Club in America, proposals came. But I am a patriot, and then, I have many friends here, my parents.
I want to represent Russia in the West, and if people don't see me as a snob, I'll be happy.
- In what language is it easier for you to sing?
Of course, in Italian. Many experts believe that I have an Italian school - I inherited the style of singing from my teacher. The Italian public is the most demanding, and although they said that I was young and I had to work hard, everyone was sure that I studied in Italy. I also do well in Russian.
- Do you have any idols?
On the one hand, Mario Lanza. On the other hand, Pavarotti. I like what he is doing now, it is worthy of admiration and admiration. A man at 65 in such great vocal form! He may sing better or worse, but he is Pavarotti. Of ours - Kazarnovskaya, Borodin, I love Bashmet very much.
- Why was ╚In Memory of Caruso chosen as the debut?╩
It was the first song I sang and recorded. I sang it always and everywhere. And once, when I was singing it, the Tchaikovsky hall would not let me go for twenty minutes. I thought that this song would penetrate the hearts of people, but I did not even imagine that it would give such a resonance. When it all started, no one even thought about it. At first we wanted to call the album ╚In Memory of Caruso╩, but, since it is very diverse, we settled on the name ╚Dedication╩. The album includes very interesting songs - from "Good bye my love, good bye" by Demis Roussos, the Russian text for which was written by Delfin, to a song to the music of Evgeny Martynov.
From the author: Tickets for the concert on March 23 sold out before they went on sale. Due to such demand, Nikolai Baskov will give three more concerts. On April 15-16-17, everyone will be able to make sure that Basque sings himself, and sings well.
This week the singer will celebrate his birthday - he will be 41 years old. Now the artist is touring the country with the new show "Game". And on his birthday, he also performs - in Baku. Woman`s Day found out how Nikolai managed to lose weight in such a short time, get younger and who will sing at his future wedding with Victoria Lopyreva.
"It's time to grow up, but I don't feel like I'm 41"
Nikolai, on October 15 you will be 41 years old ...
Yes. 31 would be better (laughs).
On his Instagram, Baskov posted a photo before and after losing weight and wrote: “If you set a goal and gradually go towards it, then you will definitely achieve it !!!”
You could say it's been half a lifetime. How do you feel about your age?
For me - a quarter of my life, I'm going to die at 120! I haven't celebrated 40 years, by the way. According to numerology, when the number "0" is present in the year, it means emptiness and the formation of something new. My mother, a very dear and important person in my life, said that 40 years is a big internal restructuring. And yes, I have an internal struggle with myself, a feeling that I, as an artist, need a reboot. Almost all 17 years that I've been on stage, I've been associated with a holiday person who performs cheerful, light songs. Therefore, I want to move away from a huge number of all kinds of TV shows, programs, in the future to filter my appearances in concerts, because some kind of internal has accumulated ... not fatigue, no. But I need time to jump into something further exciting.
Maybe it's time to grow up. But I can't grow up, I always feel like I'm a young kid who just started his career. I don’t understand at all how 17 years have passed ... I don’t feel that I’m 41. As for my soul, I’m probably 26-27 years old. And, thank God, lately I don’t look 41 years old. Recently met with classmates (laughs) ... They asked me what I drink for youth.
Tell us a secret, what do you drink for youth? How did you manage to get into such great shape in such a short time?
I have a personal trainer who takes care of me in terms of physical fitness. He is also a nutritionist and massage therapist, in a word, a person who corrects me. It is difficult for the body to withstand our ecology and stress regime. Therefore, I participate in the program of the Academy of Gerontology in St. Petersburg. Thanks to the sanctions, our science does not stand still. Petersburg scientists have achieved certain successes. Their innovation is a complex of preparations that I have tested on myself: these are capsules with a solution of natural vitamins, amino acids and peptides. And a cream on the same basis. I liked the result: fatigue quickly disappears, energy appears. I even decided to release a special set of tools based on these three components, it will be called "Star Energy" - Energy star. You will see it soon on my Instagram. The cost will be normal, as it is manufactured abroad.
I continue to cooperate with the Academy of Gerontology - many influential people, politicians apply there, they make droppers, take drugs, but they hide it.
“Vika told me: “I won’t sing”
Nikolai, your fiancee Victoria Lopyreva recently sang at the New Wave contest. Do you give her voice lessons?
Well, no, she will not sing, it was a pure fan. Although I like the way Vika sings, I generally always like it when the girls who are next to me are engaged in creativity. Vika told me categorically: “I won’t sing! I am an ambassador for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a presenter, TV presenter, model, so no. You will sing."
On the "New Wave" Victoria sang with other singers
A few years ago, I know Victoria asked you to perform at her wedding...
No, she wanted me to host her wedding. And on those dates when she called and called me, I was busy. In general, you know, everything is so unpredictable, I can honestly tell you! Sometimes you don't know what awaits you around the corner... It's so interesting to live. At the same time, live without paying attention to anything - neither to sharp comments, nor to discussions of your plans. When my mother explained in Malakhov’s program “Live” why the date of our marriage with Vika was being postponed, the headlines in the media were very funny! I am already very resistant to this pressure. But I can say: live as you want. This is your life, no one will give you the next day. Let them discuss you, believe or not, and you do what feels good to you. Such is the fate of us, public people, we bring into the life of every person a topic for conversation.
Nikolai Baskov and Victoria Lopyreva in the program "Live" at Malakhov admitted that the wedding was postponed
"Some don't understand why I'm on stage - in a dress"
Tell us about your show, with which you are now traveling around the cities.
This is not just a show, but a theatrical costume performance. About 2 million euros were spent on it: these are 4 trucks of scenery, 72 people serve the show, all costumes are exclusive, sewn in one copy according to the sketches of two wonderful fashion designers - Valentin Yudashkin and Vladimir Seredin. I know that it took about 80 thousand rhinestones to create them. Some were made in France in the same atelier that makes costumes for the TV series Game of Thrones. One of the costumes - Prince Calaf from the opera "Turandot" - is about two meters, weighs almost 40 kilograms. And technically equipped so that during the song, fans and muzzles of dragons with burning eyes leave it.
And in the song "The Wanderer" there is a gladiator fight in the background. One day I was so staring at how they fight, and I forgot that I have to sing. Opening his mouth, he stood, thinking: I wonder if he will hit him with a sword or not (laughs).
The show "Game" is not just a collection of songs, but a certain story. One of the outstanding directors, Alexei Sechin, who made the Olympics and the Universiade, worked on it. I told him that I want to play in different eras. Variants of the name were different - "Time travel", "Fiction". We decided to keep the historical facts from my creative biography - certain songs in certain images. For example, the image of the Emperor, in which I received the Golden Gramophone in 2012. The show features music of various genres: popular, classical, operetta, and buffoonery.
The show is so expensive that it does not cover the costs, it is not profitable. But as an artist, I created such a brainchild that will leave its mark. This is something I can be proud of today. It left no one indifferent. Maxim Fadeev wrote after my concert that he had never seen anything grander. There was a standing ovation in the Kremlin in the middle of the concert. It was indicative for me how my girlfriends dragged their husbands to this show. They resisted: “No, the Basques are ... Okay, we’ll serve the first squad and leave.” But no (slams his fist on the table) - the Basques won! The people stayed until the end.
The costume of Prince Calaf from the opera "Turandot" weighs 40 kilos!
The main character of the show is the Mask. What does he mean to you?
The show is called "The Game" because we all play, put on masks. So you come to an interview - and put on the mask of a journalist, come home - put on the mask of either a loving wife or a bitch. All people play, we are probably most natural when we are left alone with ourselves.
The mask is a manifestation of my inner self. The first part of the show is brilliance and pomposity. The second part is romance, the third is real theater (operetta and opera). The fourth part - the triumph of strength and power - the Roman Empire. The fifth part is a natural blond, a person in love with himself. And the sixth block is the mask of triumph, in which I go out to the audience at the end.
Our people are very caustic for comments and, without going into the reasons why I appear on the throne in a bright suit, and I have an imperial crown on my head, they believe that the Basque completely went with his head - he put on a dress. They do not understand that this is a fragment from Puccini's Turandot, where Prince Calaf sings his famous aria. And the imperial costume in China is just a long dress. And only understanding people wrote that "it was amazing to plunge into the atmosphere of the opera."
Nikolai Baskov imagine an atypical album for yourself. The performer of the songs "Street organ", "Let me go", "Black eyes" recorded a disc of contemporary sacred music. How the singer came to this genre - in the first person:
- In a dream, I heard a voice that I need to record songs, glorify God. I was on the shore, I was clearly told that I should sing songs about God. Everything somehow mysteriously happened. Before that, one of my friends, who works in the patriarchy, told me that he also writes music and asked me to throw something. I agreed. After some time, they give me poems by Irina Lebedeva, a book of spiritual poems. I thought it was providence. Mystic. I met her, got acquainted, selected poems and invited the authors Alexei Romanov and Sergei Reftov, my peers who write popular music. I said: “Guys, we need to write an album, not about love and humor, as usual, but about God and remorse. After all, God does not need anything else.
Baskov also said that it was thanks to God that he became an opera singer. He first turned to the Almighty at the age of 17, when his future career was in jeopardy.
“Since childhood, I have been close to God. When I was expelled from GITIS, I did not tell my parents - I wanted to enter another academy. There is a church between the conservatory and the academy, and I went into it, I was 17 years old. I went into the church, stood there and did not understand anything. My grandmother came up to me and asked: “Son, what do you need?” I said that I wanted to enter, to which she showed me the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and said: “Go every day and ask.” I ask: "What to say?" “In my own words,” she replied. I began to walk around and ask for admission. And I entered on a huge competitive basis.
God is always with me in my heart. And every morning I thank God and ask for forgiveness for what I did wrong. Everything in my life is connected with miracles. I asked for what I needed and it appeared. As one scientist proved, when a person is in a coma, and does not respond to music or microcurrents connected to the head - nothing at all - God can save him. When the priest came to the ward of such a patient and began to read prayers, the human brain began to work.
Prayers, according to the artist, helped him survive and created a real miracle, which even doctors did not believe in. On the verge of death, Baskov was due to a ruptured appendix.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
- I asked fans to pray for me, I had to take hormones, my appendicitis ruptured. I fainted and they took me off the set. And two months later, when I passed the tests, the doctors did not believe me. They began to ask: "What did you do?" And I talked inside myself with every cell with God. There are such moments when I fly on an airplane and start reading prayers, psalms. This clears the mind.
Montserrat Caballe taught Baskov to breathe correctly
Each time, going on stage, Nikolai Baskov reads prayers to himself. The voice, according to the singer, is a very delicate instrument and you cannot trust yourself alone, so it is very important to have support. And better from above.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
“You know, I came to the conclusion that nothing human is alien to me. I did not very right things, but I can’t get away from it. I am a creative person. The voice is the conductor. When you go on stage, you don't know how two little vocal cords will work. Whenever I started singing in opera houses, I think many opera and pop singers do the same, I always turned to the Almighty and prayed. It is impossible without this. This is an internal state, you go out alone and you need support: "I know you are there."
At the same time, the singer noted that he does not get tired at all, although he is a workaholic. He was taught a special method of relaxation by the famous opera diva Montserrat Caballe.
“When I studied with Montserrat Caballe, she taught me the breathing technique. And the school of breathing technique is based on meditation. When it's hard for me, I can relieve fatigue by breathing. There are exercises, you can find them on the Internet. Inhale-exhale in a certain position. When the body begins to vibrate, you are ready.”
Basques about Monetochka and young artists
The artist is created by his audience, - Baskov rightly believes. In an interview with Channel Five, he honestly admitted that he knew about the existence of the singers Monetochka and Grechka, and even heard a cheerful song by one of the singers, but he just didn’t know which one. Only the scandal with Zemfira remained in Baskov's memory.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
- I heard on the news that there was a conflict with Zemfira. I remember hearing the hilarious song "If I Get Paid When I Think of You" from someone on Facebook. I don’t know who sang it, either Grechka or Monetochka.<…>I think it's great that we have young performers. Each audience should have its own heroes, an open soul who understands the problems of modern society. I have a positive attitude towards all artists who are trying to find themselves. Because it's easy to make a name for yourself, but it's very difficult to hold out, because that's the kind of spectator. There are artists who are loved, and then may not be loved. And there are those who once fall in love and people live with him all his life. We have many such legendary artists: Pugacheva, Rotaru and Kirkorov.
About the hype in Ibiza
Baskov said that he was incredibly impressed by the scandal that erupted around the Ibiza video, released jointly with Philip Kirkorov. The clip, the “golden voice of Russia” assures, is a reaction to the news of the yellow press. Baskov also noted that the clip was created for an audience that subtly understands everything.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
I have been on stage for 20 years. It happens that on Instagram 13 and 15-year-olds write to me in private messages. I'm surprised they listen to my songs. Maybe on public display, none of them admit that they listen to Baskov. Although, after Kirkorov and I unexpectedly hyped, we ended up in first place on Youtube.<…>I don't feel like I'm 41, I feel like I'm 28. I am sure that many young people do not understand this, but the moment will come and they will understand this state. Everyone came up with Gudkov and Urgant. They are to blame for everything. But I'm happy with the work. The clip that we shot, we were mostly actors in it. As in the movies they create images, so we created anti-heroes. But nice, such an explosion! Today, one resource has 14 million views, another twelve. 2 weeks is a lot!<…>We did for those who subtly understand everything. We stuffed everything that the yellow press writes about us into it. Here it is all mixed and served. There is actually a subtle hidden psychological message. But what, I'll tell you later.
About rap battles and a duet with Sarah Brightman
Answering a question about rap, Baskov emphasized that the artist is always outside the genre. If you are loved, then you are doing everything right, and only time can show the consistency of the musical direction.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
— It has existed in the West for a long time. For me, if an artist wins an audience, then this is a real artist. And already after the lapse of years it is possible to judge whether a person has succeeded. For a year or two or five it is difficult to understand. Moreover, young artists have been looking for their own path, their direction for a long time. And sometimes it is replaced by something else, and you need to subtly catch this moment, in time to find a breath of creative air.
Baskov noted that he himself is not going to try out in the rap genre yet, but leaves himself space for creativity in the future. For those who are eager to see Baskov in a new role, the singer recommended listening to another of his albums, which is released in November, the Christmas Album. The album will feature an unexpected track with Sarah Brightman.
Maybe I haven't thought about it yet. Still, Philip sang rap at 50 something. I'll wait. Maybe a new generation will grow up. Everyone says, open your creative plans. If we told everyone, it would not be interesting. The artist is a sudden cracker! Enthusiasm, dissatisfaction. This is the life of an artist. I'm not thinking about a new musical direction yet.<…>In November, the American Christmas album will be released on Universal. There's a duet with Sarah Brightman. It's been recorded for a long time, but I haven't released it. Song Holy Night. Great work. Wrote in Hollywood. Fans of the "other Baskov" will have the opportunity to listen to the new album in November.
Baskov admitted that he was listening to Serduchka
In an interview, Baskov said that he is open to almost any kind of music. At the same time, the singer's player contains not only classical arias. Baskov follows the latest and tries to be "in trend".
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
- I love everything! I have a playlist at home. And there is Verka Serduchka, there is Loboda, and Celine Dion, and Barbara Streisand, and much more. Except that there is no Rammstein. It's hard for me. I love Spanish, Italian stage. I'm generally interested in music, I always go to iTunes and watch new stuff. The audience is different, someone likes one thing, someone else. So do I. I choose what interests me.
On heritage and careless attitude to autographs
Baskov admitted that he would not mind if his things and autographs were sold under the hammer in the future. He himself repeatedly acquired personal belongings of idols. However, it’s too early to talk about his legacy, says Baskov, at least for the next 50 years.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
“I don't think I'll care in a hundred years. If the business lives, the energy lives in the things of your favorite artist, why not? I have an autograph of Callas, which I bought at an auction. I have Mario Del Monaco's belt in which he sang "The Girl from the West", an opera. I have antiques that belonged to famous people. I bought it, I was pleased, interesting. I don't think there's anything terrible about it. If a person wants to buy Tsoi's passport, there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe he has memories of youth or love connected with Tsoi, or Tsoi turned his fate around.
About unhappy love and applause of the public
What the illustrious tenor truly lacks is love. Baskov admitted that his heart was broken more than once. The singer would be happy to tie the knot, but so far he has not met the one. Therefore, the opera singer is so focused on creativity, but sometimes he thinks about love.
Video: Channel 5, photo globallookpress.com
“I think about it all the time. George Clooney also constantly thought about it and finally got married after 50. What to think about it?! It seems to me that it is very difficult for a person like me to find that understanding, caring, experiencing woman. There were moments when my heart was broken very hard. When it finally sticks together, it can meet its fate. So far it doesn't work.
Baskov learns about his "love affairs" from the media. However, the stories invented by journalists rather amuse the master of the national stage. Baskov said that he was so tired of such publications that he himself had not been following them for a long time, and he learned the “latest news” from his fans.
- Fans send me some articles on Instagram or Twitter. I go, but for a long time I do not react to it. How many years have I been in show business! I'm so calm about it. I like what they write, I like what they argue. They come up with different stories, refutations - this is the life of a popular person. There are situations when you find yourself under scrutiny not because you wanted it, but just because it happened. You get in the way, and in the end everything falls apart. You know, as they say, happiness loves silence. For example, my young colleagues get married, all this is covered in the press, and then two years later they get divorced, share property, children ...<…>I had a difficult experience, then there were difficult strong emotional relationships. I won't speak. I was pulled hard. This, imagine putting your hand with boiling water into the pan, do you want to do it again? No, I was not offended. These were feelings. Sometimes, due to my youth, stupidity, adherence to principles, selfishness, I did not understand everything. Few public people are happy in private, unfortunately ...
At the same time, Baskov noted that he was not ready to exchange his popularity for simple human happiness.
“I think everyone has a specific mission. A person may be watching this interview and dreaming of a stage, a career, but he has a wife and two children. And here he looks and says: "I would give up everything to become like this." But we have the opposite situation.<…>I can't give it all up. This is my life. An indescribable feeling when you go on stage. And there from two to one hundred thousand. And millions of people watch you on TV, and it's hard to get off of it.
Material by Natalia Kirillova and Aniya Batayeva
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