Suleiman Kerimov, one of Russia's most well-known billionaires, has made headlines not only for his business acumen but also for his high-profile relationships with several public figures. These relationships have seen him entangled with well-known personalities, showcasing both his affluence and the intriguing drama often associated with such high-stakes liaisons.
Born in Derbent, Russia, Kerimov was the youngest child of parents who worked as a lawyer and accountant. His early education was marked by excellence, graduating with honors from school and later pursuing higher education at Dagestan Polytechnic University. Following his military service, he found his way to the economic sphere, eventually establishing himself as a notable figure within the banking sector.
His entrepreneurial breakthrough came in 1993 when he took the helm of Federprombank. By 1999, his business savvy shone through as he acquired significant stakes in Nafta Moscow, leading to substantial profits with changes to the oil export laws. By the mid-2000s, Kerimov's assets were evaluated at around $15 billion, cementing his status as one of the wealthiest individuals in Russia.
While his business ventures flourished, Kerimov's romantic life captivated the public's imagination. His first notable relationship was with the Russian pop singer Natalia Vetlitskaya, which blossomed during the late 1990s. Vetlitskaya expressed her awe for Kerimov's lavish generosity, stating, "Я офигела, какой это человек! Он для меня ничего не жалеет. Деньги сумками дает," highlighting the extent of his extravagant support. The relationship brought attention to both their lives, but it ended around 2001. After their split, Kerimov provided Vetlitskaya with luxurious real estate and even private aircraft, underscoring the nature of their partnership.
Following Vetlitskaya, Kerimov entered another high-profile romance with ballerina Anastasia Volochkova, who was swept off her feet by his affection and gifts. Their three-year relationship was marked by Kerimov's opulence, which included gifting Volochkova with elite apartments and opportunities to establish her dance studio. Volochkova later described this period as one of immense happiness. Yet, the romance concluded due to Kerimov's jealousy, which proved too intense to navigate.
Kerimov's relationships continued to evolve, including four years with fashion designer Ekaterina Gomiashvili. Their bond saw significant career advancements for Gomiashvili, who launched her high-end boutique with Kerimov's investment. But as with his previous relationships, the affair eventually soured when Kerimov withdrew his financial backing, leading to Gomiashvili's business decline.
Notably, rumors also linked him to television presenter Tina Kandelaki, particularly after their involvement in her car accident back in November 2006. When questioned about her relationship with Kerimov, Kandelaki initially claimed she was not present during the incident. But eventually, she admitted, "Попала я с ним в эту аварию, мы были товарищами и тогда, и сейчас. В 45 я точно могу себе позволить сказать: 'Да, был роман, да, было красиво!'. Но не было романа," adding complexity to the narrative surrounding his personal life.
Despite his many public romances, Kerimov's marriage to Firuza has remained steadfast. While she lives largely outside the spotlight, Firuza has remained by his side through thick and thin. Their marriage has produced three children, Gulsara, Aminat, and Said, and her loyalty throughout various scandals has been noteworthy. Even as Kerimov faced scrutiny and challenges, including legal issues abroad, Firuza has never wavered from standing by him.
Kerimov's life showcases the juxtaposition of immense wealth, public fascination, and private dramas. His relationships with prominent women exemplify not only the allure of riches but also the inherent challenges of maintaining personal connections under constant scrutiny. Whether supported by lavish gifts or foundered by jealousy and drama, each chapter of Kerimov's romantic life contributes to the enigmatic portrait of this powerful businessman.