The ensemble in the program "Hello, Andrey!" on the Rossiya TV channel

"Hello, Andrey!" is one of the most popular programs on the Rossiya TV channel. The latest episode of the program, which aired on February 15, 2020, was dedicated to the work of Evgeniya Simonova, a People's Artist of Russia.

Evgenia Simonova's performances in films have made her famous and beloved by audiences, and her films have become classics of Russian cinema. The triumphant debut of film director Leonid Bykov, who created one of the best war films, "Only Old Men Are Going to Battle," introduced the young and talented actress Evgenia Simonova, who is now an outstanding master of Russian theater and cinema.

Breaking with tradition, the program's host, Andrey Malakhov, handed over the right to launch the "Hello, Andrey!" program to the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and its artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Eliseev.

The famous military ensemble performed the song "Smuglyanka," which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, to the thunderous applause of the guests in the studio.

The famous song, written in 1940 by the composer Anatoly Novikov and the poet Yakov Shvedov, became truly popular after the release of the film "Only Old Men Are Going to Battle" in 1973.

"What an unexpected start to the program! This is the most precious gift! Thank you so much!" said Evgeniya Simonova, People's Artist of Russia, to the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and its artistic director, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Eliseev.