On the eve of the final of the "Mr. BNTU – 2026" contest, we spoke with a finalist, Roman Abramovich, a second-year cadet of the Military Technical Faculty, to find out what lies behind the uniform and the stage persona, what principles help him combine military discipline with creative fire, and to understand his personal philosophy of success.
Roman shared three words that best characterize him as a person:
— I feel confident because with age I have begun to understand that some things should be ignored. Years of performances have cultivated certain skills in me that help me move through life. I can characterize myself with the word maximalism, because I always invest myself completely in any task. I also consider myself kind, because I love animals very much and they are always drawn to me, as are people.
The cadet described his ideal morning as follows: waking up with a feeling of lightness in the body after a full sleep, getting ready without rushing, drinking a cup of tasty coffee, and, enjoying the morning air, heading to classes or other business.
The finalist's list of hobbies includes cooking and learning something new:
— When cooking, cleaning, or learning something new, I don't notice how time flies. What I like most is making desserts, especially Napoleon cake. What attracts me to cooking is that gradually you mix different ingredients and the result is something perfect. It's like personal growth: with each failure or success, you improve yourself, and in the end, you achieve the ideal you were initially striving for.
Speaking about a childhood hobby that became a source of inspiration, Roman admitted that he has been dancing since he was four years old. He shared that even after school, when there was almost no energy left, training did not exhaust him but filled him with energy and inspiration.
— What is the most important life truth you have learned from your experience?
— In the modern world, you cannot rely on anyone or try to make people similar to yourself. If you invest yourself in a task to the maximum, but your partner invests only 5%, it is better not to work together in a pair again. Try to find people who will always help you. Because living and working that way is much easier than with those who drain all your energy and give nothing in return.
The cadet described a small joy that is guaranteed to lift his mood on a bad day simply: a cup of tasty coffee, something sweet, and at least half an hour of a movie or TV series – even if it is a break between classes in the hallway in the pleasant company of fellow students.
Recalling a moment when he had to step out of his comfort zone, Roman shared an important observation: he has become more relaxed in dealing with people with whom he feels uncomfortable.
— After I had to step out of my comfort zone, I became more relaxed in my attitude and communication with people with whom I feel uncomfortable. Most often, these are people who are with us at work or school, and you just need to maintain professional relationships with them, nothing more. You should never clearly show with your entire demeanor that a person is unpleasant to you. You talked, parted, and forgot.
Roman's main goal is to visit all the countries of the world, buy his own yacht, and build his own path in life.
— What is more difficult: learning five exam tickets overnight or putting together a performance number?
— Each of these actions is difficult in its own way. There is a rule in our group: before an exam, everyone makes a certain list of questions for the test or exam, then a shared document is created, and this simplifies the preparation process. With a creative number, it is different. The problem might be that some movements need to be refined and rehearsed, and that can be hard.
The cadet called the energy of the dance the highlight of his creative number for the final. He added that at the Military Technical Faculty, energetic dances are usually performed, and he is no exception: the delivery, energy, and charisma of the participants involved in the creative number will energize the hall.
The cadet considers the dance choreography and the concept to be the most memorable part of his number. Roman said that the idea came naturally at the right moment.
— I want to surprise the audience with choreography, acting, and artistry, – he is confident.
Roman has proven: being a cadet does not mean giving up creativity, and staging a dance can be just as much a way to build character as drill training.
We wish the young man good luck in the final – and may his energy indeed ignite the hall!
