But back in the 1980s, Dykhovichny finally realized his real calling was cinema. He tried his hand at directing films, proving it’s never late to take a U-turn in a career.

Film was an outlet for his creative energy and he was never afraid of experimenting on set, helping his actors exceed their own expectations and limits.

One of his best films, “Moscow Parade” (better known as “Prorva”) – starring German actress Ute Lemper  – was released in France in 1992, and screened at several European film festivals.

In 2007 he set up his own international film festival, “2morrow”, which immediately became the meeting place for arthouse directors from all over the world.

Dykhovichny’s films often mirrored his own philosophy and values as well as his uncompromising attitude towards the establishment. A truly authentic artist, he couldn’t stand hypocrisy and insincerity – not on stage, on screen, nor in his private life.

He expertly blended intellectualism with realism to gain 100 per cent creative authenticity in such films as “Music for December”, “The Black Monk”, “The Kopeck”, “Inhale, Exhale” and “Europe-Asia”.

Underestimated and indefatigable… The 61-year-old versatile artist spent his last years fighting against the deadly illness and still making movies.

Dykhovichny was eager to make a film about the last days in the life of the great Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, when his own life was tragically cut short.

Valeria Paikova, RT