Anton Bagrov: "Basketball is somewhat similar to acting"

Russian film and television actor Anton Bagrov attended the home game of the blue-whites against PARMA (100:56) and shared his emotions from his first basketball matches. The Lensovet Theatre actor talked about what connects basketball and acting, and highlighted his favorites in the Zenit squad.

— Anton, we are happy to see you at the basketball game. Tell us, how many times have you been to this wonderful game?

— To my shame, this is only my second time attending the game. But I’m sure there will be a third, a fourth, and a fifth. I’m learning a lot of new things, like the fact that you can fold this piece of paper and make this noise. It’s really interesting. New emotions.

— Yes, a real noisemaker. Do you remember when you attended your first basketball game?

— Of course, it was just a week ago (laughs). The club invited me again, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I used to only be interested in MMA, and I believe football has unfairly taken the lead. Basketball is a more interesting, nuanced and lively game. I’m trying to draw parallels with acting and realize that here, you need more flexibility, the ability to maneuver around opponents and to act unconventionally. It’s a more playful sport.

— Since this is your second time at Zenit this season, what are your expectations for Xavi Pascual's team?

— I feel like our team is two heads above the competition. I’m not a professional, and maybe I don’t cheer with much emotion, but inside, I’m really invested. It feels like I’m on the court, wanting to contribute emotionally and physically to help our players score even more. But they’re playing brilliantly today. I’m proud to be a St. Petersburg native and, in a way, part of our team.

— Anton, can you recall when you decided to become an actor? Was it inspired by a specific role in a film or theatre?

— I’ve always dreamed to play in KVN (a Russian comedy competition). I had my own team. Then I dreamed of becoming a clown, but when I started training, I realized it required significant physical abilities. That’s when I decided that being a dramatic actor would be easier. I look at basketball players and their physical condition, and realize that I probably wouldn’t be able to do that now, but I’d love to run and compete with them. I’d definitely take the opportunity if it came.

— Do you agree that Xavi Pascual is very emotional on the court? Can you compare him to any film characters or actors?

— Unfortunately, I don’t know Hollywood actors well, but he always reminds me of a certain character. Sadly, I can’t remember the actor’s name because I’m not even familiar with many Russian actors. But if Pascual were an actor, he’d definitely star in leading roles. My teacher used to say that the most important trait for an actor is temperament. An actor can’t be without it. And Xavi shows such a strong temperament that it could be shared among several people.

— Which of Zenit’s basketball players do you think could play a role in a modern Russian TV series? What types of characters are in demand now? Do you see anyone on the team fitting such roles?

— As I said, this is only my second time here, so I don’t know the players well yet. I’m only starting to remember their jersey numbers. I really like number 22. It’s actually my girlfriend’s lucky number, so we’re rooting for him. Number 14 scores brilliantly, and so does number 24. I find myself drawn to our foreign players more because they’re more emotional, artistic, and flexible, they play more freely. I think a true professional is someone who seems like they’re not doing much, but then suddenly comes to life and is precise in their shots and movements. Acting is about precision. In that sense, basketball is somewhat similar to acting.

— When we hear your last name, we think of Aleksei Balabanov’s duology. How often do people mention this, and what role did that film play in your life? Have you ever been called Danila?

— You know, Balabanov is my favorite director. I dreamed of starring in his films, and once I even dared to call him when he was still alive. I said, “Aleksei Oktyabrinovich, please come see our play "Lerka" at the Baltic House”. To which he replied, “I hate theater, I don’t like watching a wide shot for three hours”. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to be in his films, but once, I was on a flight from Kaliningrad with Darya Jurgens, who played Marilyn, the prostitute in the second part of "Brother". I said, “Dasha, can we take a picture together?" We’re on the same flight, just like in that scene — boy, bring us some vodka, we’re flying home. I have so many connections to that film, not just my last name. Many of my friends acted in it. I think it became a cult film for a generation, and sadly, we don’t have directors now with the same level of honesty, openness, and straightforwardness as Balabanov.

— Balabanov did a lot for St. Petersburg and is associated with the city. What is your favorite film of his?

— "Cargo 200". The very film that usually everyone scolds for its excessive frankness and harshness. But one has to consider this film in the very period when it was released. It was the height of the glamor era. I remember going to the premiere with my girlfriend on Nevsky, and no one in the audience applauded. Only the two of us stood up and started clapping because it was such a harsh and bold statement against all that garish glamor, which doesn’t suit St. Petersburg. Petersburg has its own character, just like Zenit. You can see that the players here have character, humor, and irony. That’s great. If I have the chance, I’ll attend games as often as possible because our theater mostly supports the football team. I’m indifferent to football, unfortunately, and feel a bit ashamed. I support our team, but I’ve realized that basketball is more my sport.