Rezo Chkhikvishvili, a very popular Georgian actor in the 80s, has been living in Germany for about 30 years. The interview with him was recorded by the Azerbaijani media. As it turned out, the Georgian star was very popular in Azerbaijan as well. Forty years ago, the charismatic Georgian actor, as he is called in Baku, starred in the popular film "I want to know," which later gained many fans in Azerbaijan.
- It was the year 1980. I graduated from the Theater Institute and worked in the theater for two years. With my role in a theatrical play, I suddenly became very popular in Georgia. My invitation to Azerbaijani cinema was related to director Omar Gvasalia, who was friends with director Oqtay Mirqasımov. A great actor Edisher Magalashvili, who was supposed to play the role of my father, was with me. We played one scene together and returned to Tbilisi. Then they called me and told me that they had approved me in Moscow.
I was 23-years-old then. Filming lasted 4-5 months. It was a happy time. More than forty years have passed. I miss those days. This was my first visit to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis are very hospitable people. When I remember the happy moments of my life, I mentally return to Baku. I am very proud to have filmed with famous Azerbaijani actors. Azerbaijanis are very sincere people.
- Which moments do you remember the most during the filming?
- Filming daily. Once, with my participation, they had to shoot an important scene; the boys and I were drinking all night, the mood was good. I thought I could not play a role in the morning. But everything went smoothly. I can say that this was one of the best scenes.
There were awkward moments, too; I had to shoot love scenes with my partner Azerbaijani actress Hamida Omarova; there were scenes of kisses and hugs. When you do not know your partner, it is difficult to play in a love tandem. And by that time, I was already in love. This is not a problem for a professional and experienced actor. As far as I can remember, these scenes were filmed first, but after a few days, the awkward situation disappeared; Hamida helped me a lot.
- Why did you leave your homeland, and how did your career continue?
- Unfortunately, Rustam's role was the first and last in Azerbaijani cinema. After this film, I started my big career in film, theater, and television. In 1981, I played with Rasim Balayev in the German film "If the Earth Were Not Round ...". Life changed in the early 90s. Fate drove me to Germany. I have lived in this country for 27 years.
I live in Essen. I had a one-year contract with the German theater Grillo-Theater, but then it was renewed. The project was implemented in Tbilisi, then moved to Essen. I played the lead role. I have been working in this theater for 27 years. At first, it was difficult for me; I even thought about returning to Georgia.
I used to be the youngest in the theater, but now I am the oldest. I am 64 years old; in a year and a half, I will say goodbye to the theater and retire. I am a recognized and respected actor in Germany.
I am often invited to film in Tbilisi. I want to return to Tbilisi. As for the family, I have two sons - Levan, 35, and Alexander, 31. One lives in Berlin, the other in Stuttgart. They received a good education in Germany, then in the US and the Netherlands. The younger one is married, and the older one is going to get married. I do not have grandchildren yet.
I am very thankful for fate. I love Georgia, and I always try to introduce the Georgian spirit and character to everyone. I often meet my Georgian friends. It is good here, but it is better at home ...
The photos are from the actor's personal archive.
