Kamaliya

Kamaliya Zahoor (, ; born Nataliya Shmarenkova on 18 May 1977), known professionally as simply Kamaliya, is a Ukrainian singer, actress, television personality, model and former Mrs. World beauty pageant titleholder. She has become widely known in the United Kingdom through her participation in the British reality television programme Meet the Russians. Early years Kamaliya (real name Natalya Shmarenkova; ) was born in 1977 in Zabaikallye, Soviet Union. When she turned three, her military father was deployed to Budapest, where she danced and sang in the children's ensemble called "Kolokol'chik" (the Jingle). When her family later moved to Lviv, she took classes in violin and opera, and while in school, she took part in as many concerts and shows as possible. Her efforts were noticed and she received an invitation to sing with the Ukrainian folk music group "Halytska Perlyna" (Halych Perl). Career In 1993, Kamaliya became the laureate of the Chervona Ruta (Red Rue) Festival in Ukraine and then won the TV-Chance-Stars contest in Moscow. In 1997, she graduated from the University of Culture with a degree in Variety Art and Mass Shows Direction. At this time, she recorded her first video clip "Techno style". During 1999 and 2000, Kamaliya wrote more than 50 songs, and worked on her album "It is Love". In 2000, her song "Love You" won the first prize as the National Hit Parade's "Song of the Year". In 2001, she created the show-center "Kamaliya", which not only promoted her, but also organized gala concerts and shows and programs with participation Ukrainian, Russian and foreign stars.