Tina Stojilkovic: "Number 13 reminds me of Peter the Great in some way"
Russian theater and film actress Tina Stojilkovic attended the home game of the blue-whites against Avtodor (103:86) and shared details about her introduction to the Zenit family. The actress was born in Belgrade and is a big sports enthusiast. Which of the players is most similar to Peter the Great and whom Stojilkovic is familiar with from the basketball world — in our interview.
— Tina, we're glad to see you at the basketball game today. As far as we know, this is your first time at a Zenit match. Can you tell us how you came to love the greatest game with a ball?
— If I may, I’ll tell you about my first encounter with Zenit. Last year, the football team played against Crvena Zvezda. Since I’m an avid Partizan fan, I came not to support Crvena Zvezda. As it turned out, I cheered for Zenit and fell in love. I like the color blue — that’s what most girls say (laughs). And now I’m attending a Zenit basketball game for the first time. I’ll be rooting for the team.
— Many people know about the intense rivalry between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda. You were probably pleased with the fact that Zenit won the "bronze" match of the Super Cup just over Crvena Zvezda, right?
— Exactly. That was one of those pleasant bonuses. You know, after all, we’re brothers with CSKA. When I called my dad, who is a strong supporter, and told him I was going to the match, he said: “It’s okay, as long as it’s not the red-and-whites”. So he kind of approved. So, yes, we both cheered for Zenit in the match against Crvena Zvezda.
— Our football big brother has a player Strahinja Erakoviс who is Serbian. Have you ever met him? Maybe you know each other?
— No. Unfortunately, the only one I know is Aleksa Avramoviс, who has been in Russia since this season. And, of course, the coach of the Russian national basketball team Zoran Lukic. That’s another Serbian I know, but not personally.
— As far as we know, you’re starring in the project “Hunter.” And Zenit also has a player with the last name Hunter. Have you crossed paths with him by any chance?
— No, we haven’t, but now we probably will (laughs).
— He’s wearing number 32, so during today’s game, keep an eye on our center.
— Definitely. I see you have a strong, tall, masculine team. That’s great.
— What result do you expect from our team?
— I only expect Zenit to win.
— We know that one of your characters Anna Mons appears in a film about Emperor Peter the Great. Tell us, how will Peter the Great's favorite be portrayed in this film, and what is the project about?
— It’s a wonderful project about Peter, mainly focusing on his power. You know, we tried very hard, as actors and creators, to reveal these large-scale historical figures from their human side. To show that they weren’t just great figures but that they were also people who felt fear or pain, who knew how to love and find joy. We approached the material from a simpler, more human perspective. Our director, Sergey Ginzburg, helped a lot and gave excellent acting advice. As a director, he’s definitely one of the best I’ve worked with. I really love Saint Petersburg!
— Peter the Great was tall, and it seems he was made for basketball. Do you think any players in our team resemble him in character or appearance?
— Well, let me take a closer look... Number 13 reminds me him in some way. Unfortunately, I don’t know all the players by name yet, so I can’t say exactly. But I promise I’ll get to know everyone today, and I’ll become a more loyal, regular fan and support you even more.
— What would you like to wish the blue-whites?
— Victory, good luck, and for them to enjoy themselves. It’s wonderful when your work brings you joy. I think doing what you love is one of the greatest happinesses in life. So I wish the guys lots of fun, excitement, and joy. Let them experience positive emotions and share them with the audience.
