Version 5.0 as a new dimension of being
With her projects and hits, she influenced the musical taste of an entire generation of Ukrainians, her artists gather stadiums, her fate and her own example are motivation for millions of women. Today, Mogilevskaya is not just an artist. She is a person, a mentor, a personality who is not afraid of change. Each new period of life is a challenge for her.
Natalya, turning 50 is a significant date. How do you feel at this age? Do you feel like you're summing up or, on the contrary, is this a point of new beginning?
50 is not about the number in the passport at all, but about the mood. I don't sum up, but on the contrary – I feel that I am gaining speed. Now I don't think “is it possible?”, but ask myself: “Do I really need this?” I have had several clean starts in my life. I destroyed everything and started anew – stronger, wiser. Life in India taught me: while you are learning, you are young. At 42, I lost 25 kilograms and won “Dancing with the Stars”, at 48 I decided to start a family. And at 50 I feel that this is my main stage debut. And the most interesting thing is yet to come.
Coat, Isabel Marant Étoile (TSUM); dress, Bobkova; sandals, Maison Margiela
Looking back on your journey, what were the most defining moments for you, the ones that shaped you as a person? Is there anything you would do differently, given your current experience?
I was flying at the crazy speed of success, popularity, egocentrism. And I flew into crazy betrayal, loss, depression. I was stopped by a terrible accident, a divorce from a wonderful husband and the death of my mother. I left everything and spent three years in an ashram in India. I returned, but under completely different conditions.
I am no longer embarrassed by my excessive desires. I know that I already have everything.
As you age, your perception of many things changes: success, fame, relationships. How has your philosophy of life evolved over the years? What is true happiness for you today?
Happiness always lives within us, as does unhappiness, aggression, or love. This palette is a basic set for all people. Everyone’s decision is what color to choose today. Happiness is a constant work and choice. Even if you choose happiness through alcohol, the morning state is the same hard work that you will have to do and overcome. There is good news: like any muscle, happiness is trained and begins to serve you with love and gratitude for attention.
Dress and shirt dress, Bobkova
You've always been in the spotlight. How have you learned to maintain your inner harmony and authenticity while under the constant pressure of publicity?
I love people and I respect their attention. I'm used to it. I can hug and support, answer questions or put someone in their place if they come up to me. (Smiles.) I'm responsible for the messages I broadcast. And I know for sure that my job is to leave happy those who come to a concert for this or come up to me on the street for a photo. It's just my job. And I rest with my family. Or I close myself in a monastery. Literally – I pack up and go to India.
Vest and jewelry, MM6 Maison Margiela; jeans, Agolde (all — TSUM)
Over the years you have experimented with different musical styles and images. What motivates you to search and transform your creativity? Do you feel like you have already found ” your ” sound, or is this search endless?
I allowed myself everything: pop, rock, jazz, dance, folk, and even opera. I tried myself in different roles: I danced, taught at the university, created a production company, my own school, two theater performances, and now I am writing a book again. I am too headstrong to limit myself to the framework of the format or the vision and preferences of other people. I am interested in learning. For example, I have devoted the last few years to studying at the American Estill Voice Academy. In my theater performances, I really surprise with new sounds. Singing is a real pleasure for me. My “sound” is constantly changing, and the search continues!
Left: bodysuit, property of the heroine. Right: dress and shirt dress, Bobkova
How do you find inspiration for new songs, to continue your mission as an artist? Where is the inexhaustible source from which you draw strength?
Heart. It is the only thing worth turning to in creativity. The ability to love, to be happy. And to learn. I have been learning all my life and am not afraid to take off my crown and let it “rest” in the lecture hall. Once I was asked what kind of man I wanted. And I realized that out of a dozen qualities, over the years, two remained important to me: kindness and a desire to learn.
Left: MM6 Maison Margiela ring (TsUM). Right: dress, Bobkova; sandals, Ann Demeulemeester
Your songs often become the soundtrack to the lives of millions of people. What responsibility do you feel towards your listeners? And how do you deal with this burden? Or is it perhaps a source of energy for you?
I've only recently begun to understand the enormous impact it has on society. For a long time, I thought it was a burden. That I had to be perfect, strong, and inspiring 24/7. But over time, I realized that people aren't looking for perfection—they're looking for authenticity. And when my songs become the soundtrack to someone's victories, tears, kisses, or moments of silence, I feel not a responsibility, but a deep connection.
I don't carry a burden. I try to carry light — as much as I have. And I share it honestly, without embellishment. And it is in this openness that my source of energy lies. The more alive and real I am, the more it resonates with the listeners.
2 shirts, styled as a top, Marni and MM6 Maison Margiela; skirt, BASIX; glasses, Tol Eyewear (all — TSUM)
How has the experience of motherhood changed your life priorities and your worldview?
Children raise me — I lull myself. With the advent of children, I began to listen to myself and people more. I learned to forgive, I began to understand how all our fears and mistakes arise. No matter how ideal parents are, children will still receive their “injuries” and lessons.
Dress, Vince
What are the biggest philosophical lessons you've learned from becoming a mother? Is there anything you've learned about unconditional love, about the meaning of life, that you didn't understand before?
Unfortunately, I have hardly met any “adults” in my life. The title “parent” most often does not correspond at all to the title “mentor” or “teacher”. Parents are often offended by children, have certain expectations, treat them as property and adjust their children’s lives at their discretion. Parenthood is a complex alchemy between mentoring and respect for the child’s character and choice. Children teach me every day, I grow up with them.
In today's world, parenthood is often perceived as a series of challenges and responsibilities. What is your vision of true parenthood, from the perspective of not only upbringing, but also spiritual connection?
True parenting is love without conditions or expectations. Being ready to watch your children make mistakes and pray that they will pass this experience successfully. This is philosophy at the highest level. This is the experience of God and his attitude towards us. This is the highest love – to inflict cruel trials for the sake of our spiritual growth. Unfortunately, without this you will lose time, a lot of time, and you will not understand anything.
Vest and jewelry, MM6 Maison Margiela (all — TSUM)
Natalia Mogilevskaya's anniversary concert “5.0” will be held on November 1 at the Palace “Ukraine”.
Photo: Oleksandr Porubaymikh
Style and creative direction: Sasha Kutovy
Stylist Assistant: Yaryna Lobanova
Make-up: Olga Mishura
Hair-style: Alyona Kundrik
