Mikhail Galustyán apologizes to Tajikistan for migrant character stereotypes

Russian actor and comedian Mikhail Galustyán apologized to the people of Tajikistan for his previous comedic roles during his first visit to Dushanbe on October 14, 2026. The apology came after public criticism sparked by his participation in a private corporate event organized by TAS International Group on September 30, which generated discussion about his past television work.

Galustyán's most controversial role was Ravshan, a migrant construction worker character he portrayed in the sketch comedy show "Naша Russia," which aired on TNT from 2006 to 2011. In the program, Galustyán and co-star Sergey Svetlakov (who played Dzhamshut) depicted Tajik migrant workers in comedic form, often portraying them as uneducated and uninformed. Critics argued the characterization reinforced negative stereotypes about Tajik migrant laborers abroad. During the show's original run, Tajikistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed an official protest with Russian authorities, and the country banned distribution of films associated with the project.

In a video address published by TAS International Group CEO Oleg Samsonov on Instagram, Galustyán stated: "If my previous work and roles caused anyone pain or became a reason for today's discontent with my visit to Tajikistan, I sincerely regret this and offer my deepest apologies to all the Tajik people." He emphasized that his visit changed his understanding of Tajikistan's history and culture, noting he was impressed by Dushanbe's architecture, development, and residents' hospitality.

Galustyán referenced prominent historical and cultural figures from the region, including Cyrus the Great, Ismail Samani, the poets Rudaki and Firdawsi, Omar Khayyam, and Avicenna, characterizing their contributions as foundational to world civilization. He concluded by thanking Tajik residents for their warm reception and stated he would retain positive memories of his visit.

Reaction on social media was mixed. Many users accepted the apology positively, with some praising his courage in acknowledging the issue. Others expressed skepticism, with one comment stating "It is easy for you to admit, hard for us to forget." Tajikistan's Ministry of Culture noted that Galustyán's visit had not been coordinated with the ministry.