Alexander Adabashyan

Aleksandr Artyomovich Adabashyan, a multifaceted talent in the arts, was born in Moscow in 1945, sharing his birth year with close friend and collaborator Nikita Mikhalkov. Their professional relationship took off in 1974 when Adabashyan served as the production designer for Mikhalkov’s directorial debut, “At Home Among Strangers, Strangers at Home.” This film, a low-budget “Borscht Western” set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Russian Civil War following the Bolshevik Revolution, marked the beginning of a long partnership.

Throughout his career, Adabashyan has collaborated on a total of eight films with Mikhalkov, bringing to life a range of historical settings. Notable projects include the depiction of Moscow during the Khrushchev era in the 1979 film “Five Evenings,” the portrayal of mid-19th century St. Petersburg in 1980’s “Oblomov,” and the early Soviet film industry in 1976’s “Slave of Love.”

In addition to his impressive design work, Adabashyan boasts nearly two dozen writing credits, many of which were created in conjunction with Mikhalkov. He made his acting debut in “At Home Among Strangers” and has since gained recognition for his character roles across various Russian films and television series, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the industry.