About
Singing had always been my dream. But, as often happens in life, under the pressure of circumstances, surroundings, clichés, time, and place, we turn away from our most cherished desires. In the 1990s, being a singer in Russia was considered a dubious pursuit—especially in a traditional Armenian family like the one I grew up in. So, I chose a different form of self-expression: journalism.
True journalism is the art of wielding words, the ability to find solutions, touch hearts, raise taboo topics, and become the voice of those who are not heard. And it also means meeting extraordinary people along the way. Thanks to my profession, I found myself at Charles Aznavour’s home in Mouriès, where our first meeting took place—an interview for Snob magazine that would change my life.
Lifechanging interview with Charles Aznavour
Mouriès, Provence. A narrow country road, a yellow fence flanked by two stone lions—and Charles Aznavour’s house. He came out to greet me in a light blue shirt, his signature sunglasses tucked into his chest pocket. The interview lasted two hours, but it became a lifelong journey.
I still keep a note from the editor-in-chief of Snob, Sergey Nikolaevich, in which he wrote: “Kristina, thank you for the wonderful interview. One of the best in this issue.” That note from one of the most talented editors in Russia became my greatest motivation. Later, he gave me one piece of advice: to write, and never stop writing.
I still keep a note from the editor-in-chief of Snob, Sergey Nikolaevich, in which he wrote: “Kristina, thank you for the wonderful interview. One of the best in this issue.” That note from one of the most talented editors in Russia became my greatest motivation. Later, he gave me one piece of advice: to write, and never stop writing.
I did stop writing articles for a while and often asked myself if I had betrayed my calling as a journalist. But now that I’ve followed my true dream, I realize—I never stopped writing at all. I simply exchanged ink for voice, and paper for a microphone.
My first interview with Charles Aznavour stretched into an entire life—my life—where I continue to speak about him: through the work of the foundation, through his songs, and through the new pages in the history of our family. And how it all began—you can read for yourself, along with other interviews in this section.
My first interview with Charles Aznavour stretched into an entire life—my life—where I continue to speak about him: through the work of the foundation, through his songs, and through the new pages in the history of our family. And how it all began—you can read for yourself, along with other interviews in this section.
Interviews
To interview Penélope Cruz, I boarded a plane to Madrid that very same day. For Gérard Depardieu, I waited two months.
Journalism taught me the most essential skill: recognizing the moment — and seizing it without hesitation. Every interview is a flight into the unknown - guided by intuition, carried by curiosity,in search of a quiet truththat often hides between the lines. The most honest stories don’t raise their voice. They reveal themselves slowly, to those who truly know how to listen.
Journalism taught me the most essential skill: recognizing the moment — and seizing it without hesitation. Every interview is a flight into the unknown - guided by intuition, carried by curiosity,in search of a quiet truththat often hides between the lines. The most honest stories don’t raise their voice. They reveal themselves slowly, to those who truly know how to listen.
for Forbes
(in russian)
(in russian)
for Snob.ru
for Snob.ru
for Snob.ru
Questions to Kristina
Q
What is the greatest piece of advice Charles Aznavour gave you?
A
He never gave direct advice, but on the way to the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he said in Armenian, in the car: “Ur enk, ur ekank” — “Where we were, and where we are now.”
I believe these words reflect his life motto, which became the greatest advice for me: never forget where you come from, appreciate how far you’ve come, and always stay true to your authentic self.
I believe these words reflect his life motto, which became the greatest advice for me: never forget where you come from, appreciate how far you’ve come, and always stay true to your authentic self.
Q
How has your background as a journalist influenced your role as the director of the Aznavour Foundation and a singer?
A
Journalism teaches you to look deeper — to understand people, see past the perfect image, and recognize their true stories, tragedies, and traumas. It gives you the broad perspective needed to run a foundation, to truly grasp people’s needs, and, above all, to bring together a team of people who share your values.
For me, singing is simply another form of journalism. Especially with Aznavour’s songs — they speak of love, betrayal, fear, disappointment, everything real life holds. The difference is that, in a song, you don’t have to choose your words carefully — you pour out the emotion honestly and openly. There’s no mask, no filter. For me, singing is the most intimate conversation with each person in the audience — and an incredible source of healing.
For me, singing is simply another form of journalism. Especially with Aznavour’s songs — they speak of love, betrayal, fear, disappointment, everything real life holds. The difference is that, in a song, you don’t have to choose your words carefully — you pour out the emotion honestly and openly. There’s no mask, no filter. For me, singing is the most intimate conversation with each person in the audience — and an incredible source of healing.
Q
How do you balance your career, your role as a mother, and your commitments?
A
Perfect balance doesn’t exist. Whenever you move forward in one area, another one tends to suffer. For a long time, I tried to maintain that balance, but in trying to do everything, we often forget ourselves — and sooner or later, your health forces you to slow down.
From where I stand today, I’ve realized that the only way to manage all these roles is to learn how to delegate, build a strong team, and sometimes allow yourself to fully commit to just one role.
It’s also essential to slow down, be gentle with yourself, and accept that you don’t have to be perfect at everything — simply because you are human.
From where I stand today, I’ve realized that the only way to manage all these roles is to learn how to delegate, build a strong team, and sometimes allow yourself to fully commit to just one role.
It’s also essential to slow down, be gentle with yourself, and accept that you don’t have to be perfect at everything — simply because you are human.
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