Actress Tatyana Malkova: The desire for revenge only destroys us, while our enemies remain indifferent.

In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, actress Tatyana Malkova spoke about her leading role in the film "Konotopska Witch," the salaries of actors during the full-scale war, life in Poland and Ukraine, children's reactions to moving, her husband's work, and her friendship with Oleg Skrypka.

The 36-year-old star is well-known for her roles in films and series such as "Taste of Freedom," "Dog Alf," "Cossacks. An Absolutely False History," and "My Favorite Strashko." She is raising two children, participated in "The Voice of the Country," and is actively building her career in both Ukraine and Poland.

RBC-Ukraine asked Malkova about her dreams, the challenging role of a detective with a dog, and the competition among actors.

– You are currently starring in the series "Dog Alf." Detectives are often portrayed by men, and you also need to interact with a dog on screen. Was this role easy for you? What are your impressions?

– I don't know why, but I tend to get lucky with characters, as all the roles I play are, in one way or another, very feminine. This combination of femininity and masculine work always creates a great mix. It's like sweet and salty caramel, where you understand that there's femininity, but at the same time, you're doing something very masculine, very serious.

Regarding the dog, it was actually my dream; I've loved "Kommissar Rex" since childhood and watched all dog stories. I've always dreamed of having a big dog or acting alongside a dog. But I know that it's very challenging. I only knew this theoretically, and now, hopefully, I know it practically as well. Because such a rhythm and pace, especially with a dog, not everyone can handle. I'm very proud that I seem to have succeeded, and I hope it will get even better.

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Malkova on the set of "Dog Alf" (photo provided by the actress)

– At the beginning of the full-scale war, you moved to Poland with your children. There, you began acting in films. Is there a difference between creating series and films in Poland and Ukraine?

– Of course, there is a difference. Because Poland has slightly larger budgets. They invest more in cinema. But they also produce different types of content. For instance, the comedy genre is not as popular in Poland as it is in Ukraine. I, for example, love comedies. So it's tough for me here. Because for them, it's not something serious. They really love dramatic stories. They create a lot of patriotic films about World War II and many other deep, serious themes.

I think it's great that they invest money in cinema. But I feel they are too serious. Although, in fact, I've been very lucky because I played one of the leading roles in a comedy. That's quite rare; it was like a gift from fate. I'm very grateful that it turned out this way. I'm happy that everything worked out for us. This comedy is still making the festival rounds. I hope it will appear in Kyiv soon.

– How were you received on set in another country? Was there any competition?

– Of course, competition is fierce because many Ukrainians, including actors, have left. And it's clear that everyone needed work. But I want to tell you that many don’t believe in themselves, so they immediately jump at any available job to survive. They don't even try to pursue acting in Poland.

However, I'm proud that there are still people who gathered their courage, believed in themselves, and continued to pursue their dreams, not stopping and working in their profession. Indeed, many Ukrainians are now acting in Poland and other European countries; they are in demand. In particular, there is a high demand for men. Because there are already enough women. But men... Well, it's obvious that Russians are not invited. And thank God! But someone needs to play these roles, and there are very few men, but they exist.

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Malkova and her husband (photo provided by the actress)

– Your husband, director and screenwriter Dmitry Malkov, doesn't share much about himself. Have your relationships changed in light of the war?

– He is both a director and a screenwriter, as well as an actor. Our relationship changes every day; every time it's a serious testing ground for growth. I'm extremely grateful to him that, no matter how difficult it is for both of us, despite the nervous breakdowns and many painful questions, we try to resolve them.

After each stage, I feel that our relationship reaches a new level, and that's really great. I'm very thankful for that; I love him, and he is an incredible person.

– What are your children up to? Do you know what they will become and what professions they will choose?

– I don’t know what they will do or which professions they will choose. Honestly, I have no idea because their desires change so rapidly. I can't keep up. My son wants to be a superhero like a ninja, then he wants to be a policeman, then a firefighter, and then he likes some new cartoon. His wishes are incredible right now.

My daughter is already working as a sound engineer. She is 15, but she works on performances with our Ukrainian actors. But what she wants to be in the future? I understand she hasn't decided yet; she's still in that process.

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Tatyana Malkova (photo provided by the actress)

– Your husband works abroad. Have you faced any criticism from Ukrainians because of this?

– Yes, he works in Europe. I haven't heard any criticism because he is doing a very noble job. He is making patriotic films about Ukraine for Europeans so they don't forget what is happening with us. He acts as an actor and directs, so fortunately, there has been no criticism.

– If you had to choose between a career in Poland and Ukraine, what would you choose?

– In life, I hate two things: I hate lies and I hate having to choose. So don't make me do it. I hope I will never have to choose. I will always follow the call of my soul and heart. Whatever path I take, I will understand that this door is open, I will walk through it if it’s mine. If it's the next level, etc., we will alternate filming in Ukraine, Poland, and around the world.

And I believe that for Ukraine, borders are open everywhere right now. Our main goal is to carry our culture, to show who we are and what we stand for. I think we should choose everything at once. But most importantly, it should be something we love, not just for money or some future opportunity through connections. I believe we should go only where our heart calls us.

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Malkova's husband (photo provided by the actress)

– How did your children cope with the move and adaptation?

– The youngest coped more or less well because he was still very little; his main concern was being close to me and his dad. So for him, the most important thing was that we were with him. My eldest daughter had a very hard time with the move. She is at a very difficult teenage age. When she moved, she gained 12 kilograms; she was very stressed. She just lay around, didn’t want to do anything, and was in shock.

Then, when she realized what was happening, that she had gained weight and couldn't fit into any of her clothes, she entered the next stage. She urgently started losing weight, very strictly. It was a very tough period. And for her, I don't want such experiences again. So I try to support her as much as possible, as best as I can. But the move was very hard for her.

– In the film "Konotopska Witch," you played the lead role. Such roles are often referred to as mystical. Were you afraid to play a witch?

– Yes, of course, all roles are mystical, and I try not to play anything that could have consequences later. But I tried to do everything as ecologically as possible and used certain protective mechanisms, both acting and what some people call esoteric. This was to ensure that this role wouldn't stick with me but would simply pass through me. Because there was a huge thought behind it, at least from my side.

Perhaps it's not entirely apparent because the film was created not only by me but also by other people. Editing and production decisions play a very significant role. But for me, this film is about the transformation of a person, about all stages. From