The President congratulated Alisa Freindlikh on her recent birthday, and admitted that he had long been a fan of hers.
The actress invited Mr Putin to see a new play that she was performing in today, but the President apologised, saying that he could not go to the theatre today because of important business. But he promised to come to see her perform on his next visit to St. Petersburg.
Mr Putin gave a picture to Ms Friendlikh as a present.