I'll act in movies, as long as I live: Armen Jigarkhanyan

YEREVAN, AUGUST 13, ARMENPRESS. One cannot meet the People's Artist of the USSR, winner of a number of state prizes actor Armen Jigarkhanyan every day in Yerevan. An accidental meeting in the café of one of the ancient hotels of Armenia turned into an interview. The renowned actor arrived in Yerevan on the invitation of director Hrach Keshishyan to play a role in the movie with working title "The Home in My Heart".

- Mr. Jigarkhanyan, will You tell about the occasion Your arrived in Armenia?

- I have received an invitation to play a role in the movie titled "The Home in My Heart" by director Hrach Keshishyan. The movie is based upon a family story. I think it’s not something common and usual. There are many stories of this kind in the modern cinematography and theatre. It’s a very complicated topic. I shall play the grandpa's role, which I like very much. I like the process of creation. It's of a certain importance not to cheat the audience, as it is very difficult. I guess you know it yourself that the most difficult thing in this world is not to lie.

- How frequently do You visit Yerevan and what do You like most in the homeland?

- Armenia is my homeland. I was born here and lived a happy life. Notwithstanding it has already been 50 years since I reside in Moscow, Russia. I love Russia very much. I feel good there, but frankly speaking I notice essential differences between the Armenians and Russians in the spheres of domestic issues, philosophy and on a row of other levels as well. The longer I live in Russia, the better I realize that as an Armenian I have something to overcome deep inside of me. I like to take a walk in Yerevan most of all.

- To Your opinion, what is the greatest achievement in Your life?

- I’ll act in movies, administer the theatre, and perform on tours as long as I live. Soon we'll open new season in the theatre. The artists there are my children. I love some of them more, some less, but they all are my children. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Tatevik Grigoryan

Photos by Arev Grigoryan