Grigory Leps' near-death battle and his mother's sacrifice that saved his career

Grigory Leps, one of Russia's most celebrated pop-rock singers, nearly lost his life in the 1990s to severe pancreatitis. His recovery became a turning point, both personally and professionally. Now, decades later, his mother's 90th birthday has brought family stories—and possible reconciliations—back into the spotlight.

In the 1990s, Leps was struck by pancreatic necrosis, a life-threatening condition that left him in intensive care. His mother, Natella Semyonovna, rushed to Moscow after selling her Sochi apartment to fund the trip and nurse him back to health. At the time, his daughter Inga was just 12 and remained in Sochi, unaware of how serious her father's illness had become.

The road to recovery was gruelling, taking years and threatening his career. Yet by the 2000s, Leps made a remarkable comeback. Albums like Vchera segodnya and hits such as Natali and Chaika catapulted him back into fame. He won multiple Artist of the Year awards, collaborated with stars like Philipp Kirkorov, and toured internationally, cementing his status as a leading figure in Russian music for decades.

Now, Natella Semyonovna lives comfortably in Sochi, where her son later bought her a new apartment. At her recent 90th birthday celebration, Leps was joined by his ex-wife, Anna Shaplykova, sparking rumours of a possible reconciliation. The event also highlighted the deep bond within the family—especially the pivotal role his mother played in saving his life years earlier.

Leps' career survived a near-fatal illness, thanks in part to his mother's sacrifice. Now, as she marks her 90th year, the family's history—and its future—remains closely tied to her influence. The singer's professional success and personal milestones continue to reflect the resilience that defined his comeback.