"Italy should learn from the Russians"
The eldest daughter of the famous actress Ornella Muti wants to become a Russian citizen. Nike Rivelli argues that the political situation in Europe and harassment at home greatly complicate the family's situation in Italy, despite Muti's achievements in cinema and Nike's musical career. In an exclusive interview with Izvestia, the singer told what Nikas Safronov advised her, why she sang Kalinka and where she plans to buy a house.
"I feel half Russian"
— You have stated that you intend to apply for Russian citizenship. What are the three main reasons for this decision—personal, cultural, and political?
— The main reason why I applied for Russian citizenship is that I am half Russian, half Italian. I have relatives in Russia. For example, my maternal great-grandmother lived in St. Petersburg. And my grandmother, Ilse Renata Krause, always talked about your country. I have had wonderful memories from my earliest childhood.
I was in Russia when I was very, very young, but I remember this trip, as well as all subsequent ones. Russian russians, Russian people, Russian culture, and Russian food are my favorites. And anyway, I feel half Russian. I am very uncomfortable with the current political situation in Italy and in Europe in general. I'm apolitical, I don't support anyone, because I don't really follow this area. Therefore, my reasons are mostly personal. They are connected to my family and my roots in Russia. First of all, I am an artist and I believe in creativity.
— You and your mother Ornella Muti have announced creative projects, including musical ones. Tell us in more detail: what can the Russian public expect and when?
— We have many projects with Russians, and one of them is my upcoming visit to Moscow. I'm going to perform the song L'italiano. Cristiano Minellono, who wrote the lyrics for Toto Cotugno, allowed me to cover this song. It will be very sad if it is not possible to bring her to Russia. We also made a version with an excerpt from the Russian folk song Kalinka. So I'm looking forward to coming and singing L'italiano.
— You are often seen in Russia at cultural venues, from Moscow Fashion Week to the World Youth Festival. What exactly do you consider your home in the Russian cultural environment?
— What makes Russia so special? That's it. Russia is an incredible country with amazing people, an amazing generation of young people and girls full of enthusiasm. They have absorbed the rich culture of their homeland. I have special feelings when I come to Russia. It seems to me that we are loved, accepted, and understood here. And in Italy, I've been feeling this less and less lately, given the current political and governmental situation.
"Trips to Russia are of great importance to us"
— Critics in Italy interpret your visits as "political". You replied that "art is neutral." Where is the line between cultural diplomacy and politics for an artist?
— I think politics became a turning point, because in recent years we have often visited Russia to support friends. We have a lot of friends who are engaged in fashion. These are talented Russian designers Ulyana Sergeenko, Irena Soprano and her brand Solangel, Galina Podzoklo, founder of the brand of bags Pepfer Vera Prokina.
Our family also went to work in Russia. And we were criticized a lot in Italy for that. It really upsets me. We are half Russian, so trips to Russia are of great importance to us. It's important for our culture, for our family, for our work, and for our friends. In my opinion, it is unfair that Italy punished us so much, criticizing us for traveling to Russia.
Nike Rivelli shows clothes during Moscow Fashion Week, 2024
— You emphasize your Russian roots. How did your family history influence your choice?
— Besides our common roots, we have many Russian friends. Our agent, Zhanna, the artist Nikas Safronov, and many other artists with whom we are friends advised my mother and me to apply for Russian citizenship. That's what we're doing!
— If you get Russian citizenship, where do you plan to base yourself — in Moscow or in St. Petersburg?
— I want to travel around Russia more. Maybe we'll buy a house here. I don't know, maybe in St. Petersburg or Moscow. Or even both. It inspires me that there are so many talented women in Russia who still create amazing things by hand. We want to be a part of this cultural code.
Italian actress Ornella Muti and her daughter, actress Nike Rivelli, at the closing ceremony of the 39th Moscow International Film Festival, 2017
My best friend is the Russian fashion model Lisa Adamenko. She has come to Italy so many times in recent years, and I have visited her many times. And my mother lived in the Russian apartment of Ulyana Sergeenko about six or seven years ago (fashion designer and founder of the Ulyana Sergeenko brand. — Ed.) for about a year. We love going there.
"We didn't do anything wrong"
— You are familiar with the Italian fashion and cinema industry from the inside. What experience and knowledge would you like to transfer to Russia and vice versa?
— I don't think we need to contribute in any way to the Russian film and TV series industry. I've been watching a lot of Russian TV series lately. They are so amazing that perhaps Italy should actually learn from the Russians.
— How does your family and immediate circle feel about your decision? Aren't you afraid of reputational and professional costs in Italy?
— Are we afraid of the Italians' discontent? No. Especially my mom. At her age, with such achievements in her career, the fame that she brought to Italy and the whole world thanks to her name and work, I think there is nothing to be afraid of at all.
Actress Ornella Muti during a press conference during the release of the theatrical production "Beethoven - the Heroic Life of a Genius", 2023
I would like to clarify: even more than any pressure, we felt a certain hostility in Italy. That's why I'm asking for Russian citizenship. We haven't done anything wrong, and I don't want to be criticized or ostracized for visiting our second homeland.
— Considering that Ornella Muti openly talked about her desire to obtain Russian citizenship in previous years, can this be called a family position?
— My mother has already applied for a residence permit, and then for citizenship. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the application was not satisfied, and now mom is going to apply for citizenship again.
Nike Rivelli is an Italian singer, model, and daughter of actress Ornella Muti. Rivelli is known for daring photo shoots, musical experiments under the pseudonym Nayked and works in films, including the film "Casanova" with Heath Ledger and the TV series "The Count of Monte Cristo" with Gerard Depardieu. Nike has repeatedly participated in significant cultural events in Russia: in 2017, she appeared on the red carpet of the Moscow International Film Festival, in 2024 she opened the MaisonESVE show at the Moscow Fashion Week in Manege, and in 2025 she announced her intention to obtain Russian citizenship.
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