Larisa Dolina’s Triumphant New Year: Rising Above Scandal
Larisa Dolina’s Triumphant New Year: Rising Above Scandal
Despite a challenging end to the year and a highly publicized apartment scandal, Larisa Dolina welcomed 2026 on stage—both literally and figuratively. The 70-year-old People’s Artist emerged as one of the most prominent figures in New Year’s television broadcasts and theater performances.
New Year’s Eve Performances
On New Year’s Eve, Dolina made appearances in several major holiday shows. She was not sidelined or excluded; instead, the singer was a key presence in all the main “fireworks” broadcasts, even if not in the immediate moments following the Kremlin chimes. In the “New Year’s Blue Firework” show, viewers were treated to the premiere of her new song “Bengal Fire” and a performance with colleagues Aleksandra Vorobyeva, Aleksandr Panayotov, and Shaman, where they sang “I Wish You, My Land!” together.
On NTV’s “New Year’s Housewarming” program, Larisa Aleksandrovna greeted the audience with her song “I Will Not Be Silent.” The track, with its firm, almost manifesto-like message, resonated deeply with the context of the past year—lyrics about inner strength and resilience sounded particularly symbolic. On Channel One, the artist appeared in an archival segment from the cult project “Old Songs About the Main Thing,” performing “Be Healthy!”—a nod to the television classics of the late 1990s.
Unexpected Roles and Digital Appearances
Dolina also ventured into new territory. In TNT’s New Year’s special “The Incredible Adventures of Shurik,” she took on the unexpected role of a negative character, a bank accountant for Comrade Saakhov, performing Instasamka’s hit “For Money—Yes.” The contrast with her usual academic image became one of the most talked-about aspects of the show. Viewers particularly enjoyed the irony at the end of the star’s segment, where the text read: “The video was recorded under the influence of scammers.”
The artist also made her mark in the digital space. In the New Year’s episode of the online show “By the Way” on VK Video, which featured both youth idols and stage veterans—from Dzhigan and Timati to Yuri Stoyanov—Larisa Dolina once again performed “Bengal Fire.”
Stage Performances and Upcoming Plans
New Year’s Eve for Dolina was not limited to filming. As reported by KP, on December 31, Larisa Aleksandrovna performed twice on the stage of the Taganka Theater, where she is involved in the play “Figaro.” In the production, she plays one of the key roles—Marcellina—and sings extensively throughout the performance. Both shows were sold out, and during the curtain calls, the singer was showered with flowers.
Dolina’s work pace does not slow down during the January holidays. Her schedule includes several more theater performances on January 3 and 5. Ticket sales remain steady at around 70% capacity, which is considered a strong showing for a repertory play with a large cast. After January 5, the artist plans a short vacation before returning to teaching and concert activities.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Amid her busy creative life, the high-profile legal battle over Dolina’s apartment in Khamovniki continues. On December 16, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation finally recognized Polina Lurie’s ownership of the elite apartment, overturning previous decisions that had sided with Dolina. Then, on December 25, the Moscow City Court ordered the eviction of the People’s Artist and her relatives from the premises. After the decision came into force, Lurie, through her lawyer, offered Dolina to vacate the apartment by December 30. However, Dolina requested a delay. Ultimately, the parties discussed various dates, and according to the latest information, the artist is ready to move out no earlier than January 5.
A representative of Lurie stated that her client is committed to a peaceful resolution and does not plan to involve bailiffs, hoping to resolve the issue without pressure or forceful measures.
The Impact of the Scandal
The story, which began in the summer of 2024 with a fraudulent scheme that ensnared Larisa Dolina, has become one of the most resonant precedents in recent years. It has not only turned the lives of the conflict’s participants upside down but has also influenced judicial practice in the real estate sector, sparking widespread public resonance.
