Nikas Safronov told how he deceived Shirvindt during his lifetime

Sophia Loren was delighted with Alexander Anatolyevich’s jokes

Celebrities mourn the death of Alexander Shirvindt. The legendary actor and director died in hospital due to heart problems. For Nikas Safronov, the news of the death of Alexander Anatolyevich came as a shock. They were friends with Shirvindt for more than thirty years. Nikas told MK correspondents about this, as well as how he had to deceive the actor.

“An incredible tragedy happened: I loved Sashenka very much,” Nikas sighs. “He was cheerful and friendly. With slight sarcasm, but it was always positive. We were introduced in 1992 by Valya Gaft. And we began to communicate. During this time, so much has been lived: all birthdays and major holidays were celebrated together. One day Sasha once again came to my birthday party. And then Sophia Loren arrived. I sat her down at a table with senior people from the government. And Shirvindt, Tabakov, Khazanov, Govorukhin and, in my opinion, Vinokur were sitting at the next table. They laughed all the time, and so contagiously that Lauren asked: “Can I sit with them?” The guys were just happy. Sasha was especially on fire then. The translator translated all the actors’ jokes to Sophie, but at first she did not understand their humor. And then suddenly she started laughing too. Lauren has a tradition: she leaves around 20:00, because she already goes to bed at 22:00. And that evening she sat with us until almost one in the morning. She was so interested in Alexander Anatolyevich!

“During the years of our friendship with Shirvindt, a lot of things happened,” recalls Safronov. – Once I even had to deceive him. He knew that I didn’t really like going to plays. But somehow he persuaded me. Then the play of his ward Yuri Vasiliev was released. Sasha says: “To be at the premiere, otherwise I will be offended and will not come to your birthday.” I got ready to go to the performance, but it so happened that at the last moment I got confused and was late. I didn’t know what to do. I called our mutual friend Yura Chernov: “Yur, please meet me at the service entrance.” He met us and, while we were walking, briefly told us what the play was about and who took part in it.

– I entered the hall at the moment when the buffet was already in full swing. Shirvindt saw me and asked: “Where have you been?” “Yes, I went to wash my hands,” I tell him. “Did you go to the play?” – he asked sternly. “Sasha, of course, was there. I promised.” And Shirvindt continues: “Tell me, what is the play about?” “The plot is clear, it is very deep and serious, the theme is military,” I began. -You won’t be offended if I tell the truth? You know, the performance is damp, damp. There were some rough edges. But don’t worry. It will now enter the repertoire, will be polished and will be brilliant.” Shirvindt broke into a smile: “Well done, I watched. I noticed it too.” So I had to deceive him.