No longer placing heavy emphasis on noise or superficial numbers, the male artist chooses to look back at himself, his career and life with the contemplation of a man who has gone through many ups and downs.
In a spring conversation with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Tien Luat shared about brotherly love, changes in lifestyle, profession, role selection criteria in the current period, as well as the simple but persistent values that he cherishes most: Family, health and the affection of the audience.
After the "Older Brother Overcoming Thousands of Obstacles" journey, what left you with the most emotions?
- What lingers most in me is brotherly love. In the program, there are times when I am so tired that I really want to faint, not normal fatigue but both physical and mental fatigue. But right at that moment, just glancing at the brothers next to me who are still trying, are trying, naturally I don't allow myself to give up anymore.
It's not big words of encouragement or flowery sayings. Just the type of man, not talking much, not needing to show it outwardly, but truly loving each other. Through those thorns, I realized one thing very clearly: Men don't need to talk much, just need to stand next to each other at the right time. There are times when you just need to know that you are not alone, that's enough to move on.
Does the program make you look back at yourself in a different way than before?
- Yes! I used to think I was also very "hard", used to enduring, used to burdening. But after entering the program, I realized that I was "harder" than I thought, and also "softer" than I thought.
I am often used to the image of men who must be strong, must be able to bear everything, but there are moments when, if you don't allow yourself to weaken a little, it will be very easy to break down. I learned that being soft at the right time is not weakness, but knowing how to listen to yourself, knowing how to acknowledge your limits to stand firm for a long time.
Many viewers think that they see a more mature and emotional Tien Luat, what do you think about this comment?
- I think it's probably partly true. Maybe because I'm older, but the important thing is that I have experienced enough things in my life. Stacks, failures or successes all leave me with something.
Now I am less hot, less noisy, speak less but think more. Before, sometimes I reacted very quickly, but now I slow down a bit. Not because I am indifferent, but because I understand that there are things that need time to see through.
Has the recent journey created any changes in your career orientation in the coming time?
- I think yes, and this is quite clear. I am no longer eager to do much, but like to do it worthwhile.
Before, I thought doing a lot would have opportunities, would maintain the rhythm of the profession. But now it's different. I choose more, consider more carefully. Just a little, but each project must be meaningful, must make me feel worthy of spending time and effort. Having been in the profession for a long time, I will ask myself: If I don't do this project, will it be okay, and if I do, what will I leave behind.
At the present time, what has changed in your daily life compared to before participating in the program?
- I learned to slow down. Slow down to eat rice thoroughly, sleep enough, and try to go home on time more... if not because of traffic jams.
Those things sound small, but they are actually very important. When you take care of the most basic things, your spirit is also easier to balance, and you have energy to work better.
Between artistic work and family life, how are you trying to maintain balance?
- I always remind myself that work can be postponed, but when children grow up, they won't wait for me.
Family is the place that helps me stand firm in the face of all the ups and downs of the profession. When I am tired and stressed outside, just coming home and seeing my wife and children, everything calms down immediately. For me, it is not just a place to rest, but a place to recharge energy and remind myself who I am.
Returning to the role of actor and producer, what do you expect in your career journey?
- I just hope I still have enough health to work for a long time, and more importantly, to be loved by the audience to continue working.
After working in the profession for a long time, I understand that being loved by the audience is more precious than any number. Revenue may fluctuate, but the audience's affection is what keeps me in the profession for the longest time.
Compared to before, audiences see you choosing supporting roles or guest roles more often. Where does this change come from?
- Now I no longer distinguish between big or small roles. I do whatever role is right, as long as I contribute something to the film.
More importantly, I choose characters with life, with depth, because I myself am also living a life full of experiences. When I understand life better, I will touch the character more naturally.
After many years in the profession, what are your criteria for choosing scripts and roles today?
- I think very simply: Reading the script and nodding, after reading and still remembering that character, then I accept.
And if I forget it immediately after reading it, then that's it, leave that role to others. Who knows, maybe others will understand and feel that character better. Now I no longer try to force myself to accept the role as before.
After the movie "Ai thuong ai men", with the revenue and appeal of the movie, are you satisfied?
- Everyone wants high revenue from making movies, that's true. But with "Ai thuong ai men", what makes me happiest is that the audience still remembers and loves the characters after watching them.
As for the upcoming strategy, my husband and I still choose to make a decent film first, and then think about other things. Going slowly but surely, for me, is still better.
For you, what is the meaning of the current Tet?
- Tet for me now is very simple. It's about going home, sitting down for a meal together, listening to familiar stories without getting bored.
No need for noise, no need for excitement, just going home is enough to see Tet.
What moment during Tet makes you feel most complete and peaceful?
- It's when the whole family sits down for a meal together, no one holds a phone, no one urges anyone. Just talking nonsense makes me happy. Those moments, for me, are Tet.
On the occasion of the New Year, I wish everyone a year of peace, prosperity and laughter. I hope that after the hustle and bustle of life, everyone will have a place to return to and someone to love.
