In 1969 Druzhinina graduated from the VGIK Faculty of Director (workshop of Igor Talankin), her thesis film was Zinka (screenwriter B. Mazhaev).

Druzhinina was a hostess of the first Soviet humor TV shows and competitions called KVN on the Central Television (together with Mikhail Derzhavin).

Her debut as a director was in the movie called Fulfillment of Desires (Russian: "Исполнение желаний") (1974) based on the novel by Veniamin Kaverin.

Druzhinina received her recognition and national love as a director in 1987 after the release of the TV film Gardes-Marines, ahead!

From 2000 to the present time Druzhinina is directing a TV series about the history of Russia in the 18th century called Secrets of Palace coup d'etat.