Kuznetsov said he was particularly impressed by Bhatt’s performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, calling her “an amazing actress” whose work left a lasting impact on him. He added that sharing the screen with her would be a “dream opportunity.”

The Russian actor also offered a light-hearted remark about Ranbir Kapoor, saying he would love to work with Alia but is “a little scared” of her husband. Citing Kapoor’s fierce and intimidating presence in films like Animal, Kuznetsov joked that he hopes the actor would not “look at him the way he does in the movie.”

Kuznetsov noted that collaborations between Indian and Russian artists have increased in recent years, crediting festivals such as this one for strengthening cultural ties and expanding creative partnerships. “Events like the Russian Film Festival help bring both industries closer and create opportunities for co-productions and new projects,” he said.

Earlier at the festival’s opening ceremony, a significant step was taken toward deepening media cooperation between the two countries. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, and Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding JSC, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing content exchange and joint development initiatives.

Dwivedi said the agreement would enable the exchange of films and television shows, co-production ventures, talent development programmes, and wider collaboration in broadcasting. He added that the partnership is expected to further strengthen longstanding media and cultural relations between India and Russia.

The festival will continue through the week with multiple screenings, panel discussions, and industry interactions.