Putin shows off his musical prowess at charity event

London, Dec 12 (ANI): It seems there is no end to Vladimir Putin's talents.

The Russian Prime Minister, already known as an accomplished fighter-jet pilot and Siberian tiger-hunter, sprang a surprise last week with his rendition of 'Blueberry Hill' at a charity event in St Petersburg.

On Friday, the 58-year-old former KGB chief also stunned an audience that included Hollywood celebrities Sharon Stone and Kevin Costner by playing the opening notes to the 'Fats Domino' hit on the piano, reports the Daily Mail.

"Like an overwhelming majority of people, I can neither sing nor play but I very much like doing it," Putin said modestly after being urged by the event's host to get up on stage and perform.

He is reported to have sung at a meeting in July with a group of Russian agents who were expelled from the U.S. But before Friday's show, his musical prowess had not been noted.

His spokesman said he learned the lyrics to 'Blueberry Hill' as part of his English-language studies.

At the show, he also tried to play a Soviet-era song called 'From Where he Motherland Begins' but hit a wrong key and stopped.

Putin, described as 'alpha-dog' in diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, has a black belt in judo. (ANI)