Sergei Parajanov’s Last Birthday in Tbilisi

This photo is the evidence of the last birthday of the world cinematography greatest Master, taken 9 January 1990, before his house in Tbilisi.

Next to Parajanov in the photo is Svetlana Scherbatyuk, his lovely wife, with whom the director got acquainted in mid-1950s, during the years he lived in Kiev. Friends to the family were telling in their memories, that it was very difficult for Sergei living in the family. He was unpredictable and strange. When his follies were beginning, his neighbors in Tbilisi would say, “The mad is in freedom.” He was also making his wife to participate in it, demanding to peel apples, put cutlets in the plate, put the glass on the table in an original way…she wouldn’t get used to her husband’s craziness, and taking their son, she leaves the house in 1961.

Although years later after their official divorce, there is official evidence of their periodic meetings. Likewise meetings also occurred during Prajanov’s years in prison, first in Voroshilovgrad, then in Vinnica, with the possibility of short appointments.

Both in creative and everyday life Sergei Parajanov never stopped being different from others, an individual seeking for and finding unique solutions. People tell that, upon his initiative every feast was becoming an unforgettable event for the guests. Especially the birthday on January 9 of the film director was the one. Although Zaven Sargsyan, Master’s old friend, and currently director of S.Parajanov House-Museum, told 168.am that he usually spent his birthday on his son’s—Suren Parajanov’s birthday on November 9.

The photographer—Zaven Sargsyan, gave also this still unpublished evidence, “I took this photo on Master’s birthday 9 January 1990, before his house in Tbilisi with his wife. I clearly memorize that day, and remember all the guests of that day in his house in Tbilisi. His health wasn’t well then, and we, with friends took his favorite dolma to him,” Zaven Sargsyan said.

Unfortunately, months following his last birthday, doctors put a diagnosis—lung cancer. He was moved to Moscow in October for hospitalization in Pirogovka hospital. Although after the diagnosis a decision was made to operate him and remove the ill lung, his health condition didn’t change. Parajanov returnsed to Yerevan 17 July 1990, and passed away three days later.

Unpublished photo by Zaven Sargsyan, 9 January 1990, Tbilisi.

By Nvard Manvelyan