Russian actor Mikhail Galustyan admired the history and culture of Tajikistan and asked forgiveness from the country's residents for his previous comedic images. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Earlier, the artist's visit to Dushanbe drew criticism on social media because of his role as Ravshan in the show "Nasha Russia." Kursiv LifeStyle recounts what the comedian said.
Galustyan's video address was published on Instagram by Oleg Samsonov, the head of the company that invited the artist to the country. Galustyan said he had visited Dushanbe for the first time. According to him, he was impressed by the architecture, the beauty of the city, the development of the capital and the hospitality of local residents.
Galustyan separately noted the centuries-long history of Tajikistan and the contribution of outstanding representatives of the region to world culture.
"My visit to Tajikistan made me think more deeply about the thousand-year history and culture of your people. The blood of such outstanding historical figures as Cyrus the Great, Ismail Samani, and world-famous scholars and poets — Rudaki, Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, Avicenna and many other thinkers and poets whose works have become the property of world civilization — flows in the genes of the Tajik people," the artist said.
He also commented on the criticism directed at him over the Ravshan role.
"If my previous works and the roles I played caused pain to someone or became the reason for today's dissatisfaction with my arrival in Tajikistan, I sincerely regret this and offer you my deepest condolences. Apologies to the entire Tajik people," Galustyan said.
Under the video, many users accepted his words with approval and thanked him for his openness. Some called the apology a display of courage and a sign of readiness to admit one's own fault.
"We are only for friendship among peoples!", "A real man! I sincerely believe in your words! We walk and live under God, I wish your creative work success," "Tajik folk wisdom says that we will always be glad to see guests, no matter what kind of person he is, for us respect for elders is important first of all, let there be peace," "It is easy for you to admit, it is hard for us to forget," users write.
As Avesta reports, the discussion unfolded after information appeared about Galustyan's participation in a closed company event that took place on September 30. Part of the audience criticized him for the Ravshan role, considering that it reinforced humiliating stereotypes about Tajik labor migrants. Others called for dialogue and believed that the artist should be given the opportunity to explain his position.
The show "Nasha Russia" aired on the TNT television channel from 2006 to 2011. Galustyan played Ravshan in it, while actor Valery Magdyash played Dzhumshut. Their characters were portrayed as migrant workers from Tajikistan. In the program, the heroes were often presented as uneducated and poorly understanding what was happening around them.
These images had caused dissatisfaction before as well. During the period when the program aired, the Foreign Ministry of Tajikistan sent an official note to the Russian side. In addition, the country banned the circulation of discs with a film connected to this humorous project.
Earlier, "Kursiv" wrote that the film "Borat" with British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, despite its ambiguous portrayal of Kazakhstan, helped attract foreigners' attention to the country and even caused a short-term rise in tourism. This was recounted by Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Belgium, Roman Vasilenko, in an interview with the Belgian publication Paris Match.