Alexander Pushnoy, a versatile artist known for his KVN performances, musical covers, and hosting the educational program “Galileo,” opened the 7th NGS People’s Choice Award in Novosibirsk. In an exclusive interview, he shared insights into his current projects, memories of his university days, and reflections on his recent anniversary.

Pushnoy, who was born and raised in Novosibirsk’s Akademgorodok but has lived in Moscow for a long time, expressed mixed feelings upon returning to his hometown. While he appreciates the city’s development, he also misses the familiar architectural landscape of his childhood. He fondly recalled a nostalgic visit to his former school in 2006, describing it as a magical experience, although the school has since been demolished and is being rebuilt.

Discussing his diverse activities, Pushnoy highlighted his permanent role on the radio program “Physicists and Lyricists” on “Mayak,” where he explores science-popular topics alongside Margarita Mitrofanova. He also mentioned his participation in the science and entertainment program “Five for One” on the “Russia-1” channel, where he enjoys guessing as a participant. Additionally, Pushnoy runs a YouTube channel called “Rock is Alive,” where he shares his passion for music and favorite bands like Metallica and Kalinov Most.

Regarding modern performers, Pushnoy admitted that he doesn’t actively follow the latest trends but remains open to discovering new music. He believes that music is cyclical and is not concerned about the perceived decline of rock, predicting its eventual return in a modern form. Pushnoy clarified that he doesn’t aim to specifically appeal to younger audiences but welcomes their interest in his work.

Reflecting on his time hosting the program “Galileo,” Pushnoy shared anecdotes about memorable incidents, particularly those involving Lesha Ivanchenko’s fearless experiments. He recalled one instance where he accidentally burned his finger while setting fire to a mixture of potassium permanganate and magnesium. Pushnoy also explained that he had the freedom to suggest topics for the program, as long as they were engaging and easily understandable for viewers.

Looking back on his career, Pushnoy acknowledged that his success is perceived differently by various audiences, with some knowing him as a KVN participant, others as a musician, and others as a TV presenter. He revealed that he recently created a metal cover for “BabyRiki” and celebrated his 50th birthday with a concert. Pushnoy admitted that he never expected to reach this age and acknowledged the increasing number of visits to the hospital, attributing it to the wear and tear of life.

When asked about nostalgia for his youth, Pushnoy stated that he does not feel it, as his youth was marked by difficult experiences, including the loss of his parents. He concluded that everything has its time and that he does not wish to return to the past.