Is Popular Song ‘Rasputin’ Linked To Russia’s Vladimir Putin? Well, In A Way— ‘Magical’ Tale Revealed

Last Updated:December 05, 2025, 09:48 IST

The pun Ras-Putin links the 20th-century mystic's name to the Russian president, joking that Putin is a modern "love machine" or eternal survivor.

The jokes on the song include memes on Putin’s strength, just like Rasputin. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

The track Ra Ra Rasputin by Boney M has held a special place in listeners’ hearts since its release in 1978. The disco hit tells the story of Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic who was close to Tsar Nicholas II’s family. Over the years, some have wondered if the song refers to Russian President Vladimir Putin, given the portrayal of a powerful Russian figure and the similarity in their names.

Is this a myth or a fact? While it’s just a coincidence, social media often mixes Boney M’s Rasputin with photos or videos of Vladimir Putin. The song’s lyrics, which describe an unkillable Russian with great influence, are sometimes seen as fitting Putin’s tough image, fueling this popular speculation.

Viral YouTube clips like Rasputin Putin overlay footage of Putin walking or speaking to the song’s beat, portraying him as “Russia’s greatest love machine." These videos have amassed millions of views.

Accounts like @ras.putin.life and @vladimirzarputin have posted Instagram Reels and TikToks edits of Putin dancing or posing synced to Ra Ra Rasputin. These clips blend Putin’s serious demeanour with Boney M’s disco beats, leading to a hilarious combination.

Reddit threads in r/dankmemes and r/whenthe include animations using the song’s poison/shooting lines to make fun of Putin’s “unkillable" strength, especially post the events of 2022, such as the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Common Jokes And Themes Around The Song

The common jokes surrounding the song include memes on Putin’s strength, hinting that he is ‘unkillable’ like Rasputin. The lyrics on how conspirators tried to kill Rasputin using poison, shots, and throwing him into the river, e.g., “They shot him ’til he was dead… Oh those Russians!" are applied to politics.

The pun Ras-Putin links the mystic’s name to the Russian president, joking that he is a modern “love machine" or eternal survivor.

The track is also used in disco edits, with posts on Facebook and Imgur imagining Putin dancing at events at what they claim is his “favourite song." A crossover even included a Trump-Putin duet.

Users often use the terms “#rasputin #putin" on X, TikTok and Instagram to search for edits, leading to discussions around topics like “Is Putin the new Rasputin?" These often lead to anecdotes about the Russian president’s paternal grandfather, Spiridon Putin, who cooked for Lenin and Stalin. TikTok challenges and geopolitical news make the track trend, with terms like “Rasputin Putin dance" driving viral shares.

What The Song Is About

The Boney M song Rasputin (1978) chronicles the rise and fall of Grigori Rasputin, a real-life Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man who lived in the early 20th century. Rasputin gained significant influence over the family of the last Russian ruler, Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra (the “Russian queen"), and their sick son, Alexei. The mystic became close to the royal family right before the 1917 Russian Revolution, which overthrew the Russian monarchy.

Rasputin did not belong to royalty or the priesthood. He was a peasant from Siberia who became famous for his wild preaching, intense stare and claims of healing powers. The Russian queen trusted him to ease her son’s haemophilia when doctors failed, giving Rasputin secret access to the palace.

According to RTL, a group of nobles led by Prince Felix Yusupov, the husband of the Tsar’s niece, killed Rasputin on December 30, 1916. A detailed description of Rasputin’s death was present in Yusupov’s memoirs. He explains how the mystic was given tea and cakes laced with cyanide, but survived the poison. He was then shot and thrown into the Neva River.

Key Story In The Lyrics

The lyrics of Boney M.’s Rasputin called him “Russia’s greatest love machine," portraying the mystic as a big, scary charmer who chased women in Moscow. The song also references rumours about Rasputin meddling in politics, outshining even the Tsar. The track also talks about him dancing the “kazachok" (a Russian folk dance).

Despite rumours of his unruly behaviour, the Tsarina saw Raputin as a “holy healer" for her son. There were rumours that the mystic was her lover, but it may have been gossip spread by rivals to discredit Rasputin.

Many in the Russian nobility hated Rasputin’s influence, so they poisoned his wine and shot him, and dumped him in a river when he survived the first murder attempt. The track exaggerates Rasputin’s superhuman strength; for example, he “feels fine" after being poisoned.

The track mixes facts like the unpopularity of Rasputin, his reputation for healing and assassination attempts, with myths like his romance with the noble women and super strength for disco fun. The song functions not as a history lesson but like a catchy tale of sex, power, and scandal.

Rasputin was a symbol of the chaos prevalent in Russia before communism took over. He was hated by the elites for weakening the Tsar’s power. Many non-Russians think of the figure as a hypnotic adviser who charmed his way into a king’s inner circle and was killed dramatically.

How Popular Is The Song In India?

Boney M. Rasputin is hugely popular in India. It is often featured in dance videos, weddings, and trends such as the 2020-2023 challenges.

Does Grigori Rasputin Have Any Connection With Vladimir Putin?

Interestingly, Vladimir Putin does have a connection with Rasputin. The Russian president’s paternal grandfather, Spiridon Putin (1879–1965), was a well-known chef. Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, Spiridon’s son, was the president’s father. Spiridon also worked at St. Petersburg’s Hotel Astoria, where his clients included Grigori Rasputin. The mystic reportedly tipped Spiridon a gold ruble once.

After the 1917 Revolution, Spiridon was the personal chef to Vladimir Lenin, and later Lenin’s widow, Nadezhda Krupskaya. He also worked for Joseph Stalin at a Moscow dacha.

There is no significant connection or direct familial link between Vladimir Putin and Grigori Rasputin.

The only connection is Spiridon Putin’s brief service to Rasputin as a hotel chef before the 1917 Revolution. The family anecdote was shared by Putin himself.

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