Shapovalov as Sex Partner of Tatu (Pravda.Ru)

Time of publication: 29.07.2002

Shock is now popular in Russian and World Wide. That's why, duo of two small underage lesbians, Lena and Julia, is getting more and more popular everyday. Scandal and sexual image of the group is professionally guided and supported by the group's producer, Ivan Shapovalov. A quite interesting individual himself.

For information: Ivan Shapovalov graduated from Saratov Medical school in 1988 being specialised in psychology and became child psychologist, and used his abilities in politics and advertising in the following 10 years. But his success came to him when he started the Tatu duo.

Now the most important thing for Shapovalov is image. His, not the girls'. They are working quite willingly to create the image of their "parent". Making little homosexual kissing games during the concerts...and not giving interviews. No, not ever has a single journalist got a chance to speak to Lena and Julia, only the questions like "what do you like to eat" are asked and no useful information is given. Once I got an a appointment for an interview with the creator of this successful project, I hoped to get some interesting facts, but I once again proved to myself that the interest in this group is based on the absolute lack of facts and information.

19.00 I am coming into the group's head office. Shapovalov is looking at me very cold blooded and interest less. He invites me to take a walk outside. We order some tea with lemon in a small summer cafe.

I (Attempting to start a conversation): When did you get the idea to start the group?

Shapovalov: After the crisis (economical crisis, August 1998). To the point I was collecting facts and material.

I: Did the crisis "hit" your finances or did you just want to make some money?

S:Then I just wanted the group to be compensated. I put in the project other people's money, not mine.

I: Did the girls decided to play lesbian's roles right away?

(Producer decided not to answer this question and started a counter-attack)

S: What other questions do you have? Say them all now. (laughs loudly).Know why I am asking? No, do you know why I am asking? Because you are only thinking about your own questions! (He laughs again and uses his spoon to make noises on the cup).This question is not accepted. Other versions?

I ( forced to change the subject): Tatu are singing in English. Didn't you want to attend Euro-Vision?

S: There were no requests. Why should I? How could it help an artist?

I: So, it doesn't interest you?

S: I asked a question.

Don't you think that this is a good way to advertise and gain attention?

S: How could a Euro-Vision help a group like Tatu? We have all we need anyway. Albums are selling very well. We record in America. I don't understand any help that Euro-Vision can give at all. Why does it exist, anyway?

I: And the listener's opinion doesn't interest you?

S: I can't follow the listeners. Listeners must follow me. I can create interest in the group, but to satisfy it - it is not my aim. Somebody else will do that.

I: Do you use cocaine? (At this point Tatu's lawyer joined us)

S: He bribed our cases (laughs).

In the next 5 minutes we unsuccessfully try to make a tree-person conversation. Mr. Shapovalov tells the lawyer about my physiological health and problems.The lawyer gives me a few tips on how to communicate with "good buddy Vanya (short for Ivan)":

-Don't pay any attention to him. Before I met him, I thought that Shapovalov is a giant. Once I met him.Vanya. Everybody told me: He is a drug user! Uses cocaine constantly. But I got used to it.

I (trying to change the conversation to desirable subjects):How do you see Tatu after five years?

S: Whom did you ask? Me? (Shapovalov has an annoying side to ask questions when he is asked one).

I: You are making a documentary film now.

S. (interrupting): So, you are interested in the film? (immediately) After five years I see them the same. They will be left in my memory like that.

I: Will this film contain just a little bit of truth?

S: Which film?

I: The documentary one.

S: You will see.

In the following few minutes, "Good buddy Vanya" ignores all my questions and askes his own!

S: I can ask you about anything, I am interested.

I: You are trying to create an image to your self, obviously.

S. ("annoyed"): This is not an image, it's the way I am.

I: Original.

Shapovalov starts to talk about his past.]

I:Being a physiologist, what relationship do you have with Tatu girls?

S: I am their sex partner.

I: With both at once?

S: Yes (laughs)

I: Educating them?

S. (smiling) yup.

P.S. In the tough environment of show-business, everybody fights for attention with what he/she can. Obviously, Tatu use lack of info and scandals to draw attention, not talent and songs. Making an appointment for an interview, Shapovalov doesn't give it .The information about the group is under control. To create interest in the audience, the girls are supposed to keep quite.

Translated by katbeidar
TatySite.Net

Return to "Latest Translated Articles"