The famous Opera singer died after a long illness. Some time ago the media reported that Sotkilava had a relapse of cancer. The famous artist was not able to overcome the cancer.

On Monday, the national actor of the USSR Zurab Sotkilava died at the age of 80 years. About it journalists were reported by Vladimir urin, General Director of the Bolshoi theatre. Director of the cultural institution said that the celebrated artist for a long time struggled with a serious illness. Presumably, he had a relapse of cancer.

“Died Zurab Lavrentievich Sotkilava, a great actor of the Bolshoi theatre. He had a severe illness which he fought until the end” – shared urin.

Fans Sotkilava can’t believe his sudden departure from life. They devote Zurab Lavrentievich posts in social networks in which I wish him to rest in peace. Many also remember the speech well-known artist. “What a sad news! He was a bright person and a great singer. May he rest in peace”, “Eternal memory”, “I’m sorry”, “he was respected and loved throughout the world. The Opera world lost one of the most talented figures,” “He delighted all of us with their creativity”, “We lost the era”, comment the Internet users.

At the end of August in the media appeared information that the state Zurab Lavrentievich has deteriorated, so he decided to limit his concert activity. About it journalists were reported by his daughter Katey.

Previously, Zurab Sotkilava was diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Relatives and friends of the celebrities were shocked when they learned about his diagnosis. Two years ago the Opera singer underwent surgery at a clinic in Germany, and he then underwent chemotherapy at the Moscow Oncology center named after Blokhin. After some time Zurab Lavrentievich managed to achieve remission. The artist found the strength to talk about his struggle with a serious illness in one of the television broadcasts.

“God forbid anyone be chemistry, be healthy! When my family and I found out that I have cancer, decided that we weren’t going to tell anyone about it. I managed to get very quickly to Germany for surgery, at the clinic near me all the time was the wife. Daughter dropped everything and flew in from Madrid. I was preparing for the worst, and told them how will they live without me…” – said Sotkilava in the programme “Tonight”.

The famous actor born March 12, 1937, in Sukhumi. He was going to be a footballer but due to injury was forced to put an end to his sports career. After graduating from the Tbilisi Conservatory Sotkilava became a soloist of the Tbilisi Opera and ballet named Paliashvili and trained in Milan, Dinaro Barra.

In 1973, Zurab Lavrentievich debuted at the Bolshoi theatre. After some time Sotkilava came into his Opera troupe. In the famous cultural institutions, he served the party of the highest level, including Radames from “Aida”, an Impostor of “Boris Godunov”, Othello, the Indian guest from “Sadko”.

Sotkilava is known not only as an Opera singer, but also as a Professor. He taught at the Moscow Conservatory among the students of the artist was Vladimir Bogachev, Vladimir Redkin, and many others.

Zurab Lavrentievich died in Moscow, reports TASS. Farewell to people’s artist of the USSR will be held September 20 at the Grand theatre.