Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded singer Nikolai Baskov the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree, according to a decree published on the website of legal acts.
The decree cites Baskov's merits in the field of culture and art and his many years of productive work as People's Artist of Russia.
Second honoree named
People's Artist of Russia Olga Bogdanova received the same order with identical wording. Bogdanova serves at the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army. While still a university student, she appeared in Leonid Gaidai's film "The 12 Chairs," playing a small role as a girl at an auction.
Putin earlier awarded singer Oleg Gazmanov the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree. The document identifies Gazmanov as a composer, vocalist and board member of the International Union of Variety Art Figures.
