Marija Schalajewa

Mariya Aleksandrovna Shalayeva (Russian: Мари́я Алекса́ндровна Шала́ева; born 15 March 1981) is a Russian actress. Her film credits include I will be near (2012), Mermaid (2007) and Nirvana (2008).

Mariya was born in Tushino, Moscow. Immediately after graduation, she entered the acting department Russian Academy of Theatre Arts in the workshop of Joseph Raihelgauz. Mariya Shalaeva starred in over a dozen films and television series, including the films The Freshman, Masha, Mermaid, Nirvana.

The leading role in Mermaid brought her many awards and nominations…

In 2004 the actress met film director Sergei Tkachev on a plane to Paris. He was captivated by her beauty and in a week wrote a screenplay special for her. The film was entitled Mariya. This is a story about the girl who went to Paris. The shooting took place in France, including the Louvre (it is very difficult to get permission to shoot in the museum). In 2008, the film became a Russian contender for an Academy Award.