Ivan Urgant, the renowned Russian television host, has recently emerged from his self-imposed exile, having registered as an individual entrepreneur in Paris. According to RIA Novosti, this significant move came on March 11, 2025, when he established a company focused on producing shows, theatrical performances, concerts, operas, and dance productions.
Urgant's new business, however, is shrouded in curiosity. The registered address is a residential building located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, strategically positioned near the Esplanade des Invalides and the National Assembly. Notably, there is no visible sign of an entertainment agency at this location, which raises questions about the seriousness and function of this entrepreneurial venture. Residents of the building have reported that they have not seen any visitors from Russia, nor have they any awareness of business activities in their midst.
In addition to this new registration, Urgant had previously set up a second company in 2015 with his wife, which specializes in land and real estate rental. This earlier venture seems to operate quietly and independently, reinforcing the sense that Urgant is laying low while attempting to re-enter the spotlight.
For the past few months, Urgant's presence in mainstream media has significantly dwindled. Attempts to stage a comeback have often been met with indifference or outright criticism from both the public and his peers. After posting a black square on social media coinciding with the onset of the special military operation, he abruptly left Russia, effectively putting all his projects on hold. This seemingly bold stance against the prevailing political environment turned a significant portion of the Russian audience against him, making his return to show business increasingly difficult.
Despite these challenges, Urgant is now embarking on a ten-date concert tour, uncharacteristically titled 'Living Urgant,' coinciding with his birthday on April 16, 2025. This tour will kick off in Haifa and wrap up in Tashkent on April 26, promising performances in Tel Aviv, Yerevan, and notably, two concerts in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
Almost as if reclaiming his identity, Urgant's attempts at a public revival included his appearance in Nikolai Solodnikov's debut film, In a Dream You Bitterly Wept, where he played a significant role. Unfortunately, the film has yet to be released, adding to the series of setbacks in his comeback story. Furthermore, Urgant has participated in several YouTube shows, but his appearance on the kuji podcast was criticized for perceived rudeness and arrogance, leaving fans disappointed.
This upward trajectory towards a new career begins to feel like a last resort in his ongoing struggle to restore his previously stellar reputation in the Russian entertainment industry. In just under two years, from a celebrated figure on national television, Urgant's image transformed into that of a fugitive trying to navigate a new life abroad.
While many of his former colleagues have distanced themselves due to political divisions, Urgant participated in several elite gatherings in Europe, indicating a desire to stay connected within high-society circles. Yet, the question remains: will this entrepreneurial endeavor in Paris be the key to revitalizing his career or merely another fleeting attempt at recognition?
As the sequence of events continues to unfold, Ivan Urgant's future remains ambiguous. He is attempting to reclaim his lost influence through his concert tour while maintaining a delicate balance with those who once rallied behind him in the past. It's also clear that public sentiment surrounding his actions will significantly influence his potential resurgence in the Russian show business landscape.
Whether he can traverse this complex landscape and convert his ventures in Paris into stepping stones back to prominence is still an open question, one that showcases the complexities of arts, politics, and public sentiment in the current global climate.
