Vakhtang Kikabidze

Vakhtang Kikabidze is a Georgian singer, actor, songwriter, screenwriter and film director. People's Artist of the Georgian SSR (1980), Honored Artist of Ukraine (2013), Laureate of the State Prize of the USSR (1978). Winner of the State Prize of Georgia (2013).

Vakhtang Konstantinovich was born on July 19, 1938 in Tbilisi in a family that came from ancient Georgian noble families.

After school, Kikabidze studied at Tbilisi University for two years, then completed two courses at the Tbilisi Institute of Foreign Languages, but dropped out of both universities because of his desire to perform on stage.

In 1966 , Vakhtang Konstantinovich began playing drums and singing in the ensemble "Orera", the same year he made his debut in the movie (the film "Meeting in the Mountains" directed by Nikolai Sanishvili). In 1969 he starred in the movie "Don't Grieve!" directed by Georgi Danelia. For his work Kikabidze received a prize at the International Film Festival in Cartagena.

Particular popularity came after his role in the movie "Mimino" (directed by Georgy Danelia, 1977). This acting work brought Kikabidze in 1978 the State Prize of the USSR.

In 1981, on his own script, he filmed the comedy "Be Healthy, Dear!" (Grand Prix Gabrovo, 1983). For the role of an American resident in the spy film "TASS is authorized to declare" based on the novel by Julian Semyonov (1984, directed by Vladimir Fokin) received the KGB award of the USSR.

Filmography for 1966-2013 years includes 24 acting works. Twice acted as a director and screenwriter. Performer of many popular songs, continues to tour. Winner of international song contests and film festivals.

Vakhtang Kikabidze is an honorary citizen of Tbilisi. In Georgia, he is honored to have his own "star" on the square in front of the Tbilisi Philharmonic.

Since the Russian-Georgian conflict in 2008 , Kikabidze has not traveled to Russia, and after Putin's invasion of Georgia, he refused the Russian Order of Friendship.

In August 2018, Kikabidze accused Russia of unleashing the war in 2008 and described how the Russian president wants to achieve his goal of "power over the world."

In October, Vakhtang Konstantinovich said he would leave Georgia if it became pro-Russian. He noted that not only he, but also many of his compatriots would do so. In addition, Kikabidze said that the war with the Russian Federation is not over yet.

In December, Kikabidze called the Russian media fake that he allegedly held a concert in St. Petersburg for 40 thousand euros dirty gossip.

Personal life: married to Irina Kebadze, prima ballerina of the Tbilisi Academic Opera Theater. Has two children and three grandchildren.