Outstanding Russian actor, director, and writer Vasily Makarovich Shukshin was born on July 25, 1929, in the Altai village of Srostki. He lost his father, Makar Shukshin, early on; his father was shot in 1933 on false political charges. As a result, Vasily Makarovich took his mother's maiden name and for a long time bore the surname Popov. Local communists even tried to evict them from their home, but Vasily's mother defended their residence. From an early age, he had to work; he labored at a factory and even taught at a local school before serving in the army.

During his military service, Shukshin began writing his first stories, and after demobilization, he enrolled in VGIK. To raise money for the trip, his mother sold a cow. Initially, he applied to the screenwriting department, but later chose the directing department, which he graduated from in 1960. At the same time, his stories began to be published in magazines, and in 1956 he played a small role in the film "Quiet Don." At that time, no one suspected that this extra would become great. His film career was successful, and his stories resonated with readers.

Despite his popularity, Vasily Makarovich did not have state awards or titles, remaining a "free artist," which displeased many in the nomenclature. However, this did not prevent him from gaining true fame in the last years of his life. His role in the film "Kalina Krasnaya" brought him cinematic immortality, but his earthly life was short. In 1974, filming began for the movie "They Fought for Their Country," where Shukshin played the lead role. The filming took place in the Volgograd region, and during one of the breaks, Vasily Makarovich suddenly passed away. His death raised many suspicions, and rumors of his poisoning still circulate. Vasily Makarovich was not a supporter of the Soviet system, and independent folk heroes were unwelcome to party leaders and security services. Although these are merely speculations, they are not without basis.

Vasily Makarovich was buried at Novodevichy Cemetery. In the following decades, monuments and memorial plaques were erected in his honor. Streets were named after him, and a museum complex was opened in his native village of Shukshin. Annual commemorative events are held, including Shukshin Days in the village of Srostki, where this outstanding individual was born and spent his childhood.