On the TV channel “Mosfilm. Golden Collection,” the cult film “Office Romance” is periodically shown, in which the role of the curious secretary Verochka was brilliantly performed by Liya Akhedzhakova. Viewers still remember her famous line: “Good boots—gotta take them!” Today, the 86-year-old actress rarely appears on screen. The reason may not lie solely in her age.

How performances with Liya Akhedzhakova in “Sovremennik” began to be canceled

Liya Akhedzhakova, known for her extensive career in theater and film, was a sought-after actress up until February 2022, actively participating in productions.

However, her stance on Russia’s international policy triggered mixed reactions. At first, nothing seemed to change — her plays remained in the theater’s repertoire.

Akhedzhakova said that despite criticism, her plays “First Bread” and “Gin Game” continued running at Sovremennik, while “The Tale of the Last Angel” was staged at the Theatre of Nations. But the situation changed. Gradually, productions featuring Akhedzhakova began to be canceled, including the touring play “My Grandson Benjamin” and other shows at Sovremennik.

According to the actress, the theater management informed her that she would no longer be performing on stage due to complaints from outraged audience members who had written letters. This came as a heavy blow to Akhedzhakova. She admitted she burst into tears upon hearing the news but couldn’t change anything.

The management, in turn, stated that the actress had not been dismissed but had taken a forced pause to deal with the situation. However, by March 2023, Liya Akhedzhakova herself submitted her resignation, emphasizing her loyalty to the theater.

“I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to my stage”

In one interview, Akhedzhakova expressed regret about her departure, thanking her colleagues for years of collaboration and the chance to perform in front of audiences.

She emotionally remarked: “My dear, beloved stage, you gave me the chance to confess, to express my love for people whom I sincerely respect and value.”

After her statement, calls emerged in the media to strip the actress of her state awards and label her a foreign agent.

Now, Akhedzhakova tours across Europe and the former USSR, continuing to perform on stage despite the difficulties. She lives in a country house with her husband — photographer Vladimir Persyaninov, whom she married in 2001. The couple remains together, despite rumors of separation.