MOSCOW, October 3 (Itar-Tass) - Popular French actor Pierre Richard has arrived in Russia as a businessman this time, to advertise wines produced in his own vineyard in Southern France.

He told Itar-Tass on Thursday that famous Russian film producer Nikita Mikhalkov had offered him a part in a Russian film produced by the Nikita Mikhalkov film studio. Asked whether his business was an obstacle to his professional career in the cinema, the actor said he enjoyed being both an actor and a businessman, and that his business helps him balance his life and do something else besides being in cinematography.

A new film in which he is starring will be released in December, the actor said. Three days ago he received a splendid scenario from the Mikhalkov film studio, Richard said. It arrived shortly before he left for Russia and there had been no time to study it. All he could say was that the part he was offered was that of a man supposed to be taking alcohol all through the film.

Pierre Richard is often invited as a guest of honor at Russian festivals, even travelling to Western Siberia.

The actor declared himself immensely interested in Russian culture and enjoys Russian literature. Books by Russian writer Ivan Turgenev were his favorite, the actor said.

He surprised everyone, saying that his granddaughter had been studying Russian for three years at an institute."It was her own choice," Richard added.

The 79-year-old actor has starred in almost 60 films. He became very popular in Russia after the Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe film was released on Russian screens. "The Toy" is another hit enjoyed by millions in Russia. The French actor was also a great success in "The Unlucky" - "La Chevre", The Umbrella Coup (French: Le Coup du parapluie).

In 2012, Richard starred in the Russian film Prodavets Igrushek (TheToy Seller), made by film producer Yuri Vasilyev.