The predestined relationship between People's Artist (NSND) Lan Huong and Meritorious Artist (NSƯT) Tat Binh has long become a beautiful love story. To this day, "Hanoi Baby" of that year still retains the memories of the first meeting at the Youth Theater, when she was just a 16-year-old student and he was a director 13 years older than her.
In 1979, Meritorious Artist Tat Binh transferred to work at the Youth Theater, when he was married and had two children. In the eyes of the young student Lan Huong at that time, he was a serious director, often wearing glasses and riding a bicycle carrying stacks of tickets to sell, but hidden behind that neat appearance was a very unique humorous act on stage.
The first memory of the two people is associated with the time when NSND Lan Huong just experienced a major shock when her grandmother - who raised Lan Huong from a young age - suddenly passed away. Sad and disappointed, the female artist chose to withdraw, often covering herself with a black woolen scarf and silently sitting in a corner.
Recalling the first moment of meeting, People's Artist Lan Huong recounted: "One day, hearing people excitedly discussing'the little girl Lan Huong playing Hanoi Baby is very beautiful', Mr. Tat Binh was curious and went looking for her.
Seeing me sitting huddled in the corner of the room, he walked closer in a pair of flickering wooden clogs, bent down, looked straight at my face and said a blunt sentence:'This is so beautiful!' then turned his back and walked straight away.
At that time, I could only ask myself why this man was so unlucky," People's Artist Lan Huong recounted.
Starting with an unfavorable impression, but NSND Lan Huong's perspective on her colleague's "uncle" gradually changed over time.
As an introverted person but also eager to learn, the female artist was quickly attracted by NSUT Tat Binh's deep understanding of history, current affairs and classical literature.
Every time he starts talking about current affairs or historical dynasties, young girl Lan Huong - who was teased by colleagues as a "visual and auditory company" because of her habit of listening to knowledge - quietly approaches to listen.
It is the erudition, rich life experience and attractive way of speaking of Meritorious Artist Tat Binh that has eliminated the age gap, gradually replacing the initial bad impression with sincere affection.
Although there was understanding from the late 70s, it was not until nearly 10 years later, when both experienced upheavals and rifts in their personal marriages, that they truly became attached. However, the transition from a "uncle - nephew" colleague relationship to husband and wife brought no shortage of funny and sad situations.
The witty female artist recalled that for decades of living together, she still felt embarrassed, it was difficult to call her husband "anh" (older brother), even her younger sisters took decades to get used to calling him "anh rể" (sister-in-law) instead of "chú" (uncle) as before.
When asked about the secret to maintaining happiness for many years even though both are great artistic personalities, the female artist said that the most wonderful thing is the "exchange" and understanding of the profession.
While Meritorious Artist Tat Binh went from theater to cinema, People's Artist Lan Huong went from cinema to theater. Deep understanding in both fields helps them easily share and respect each other's work.
Especially, hidden behind his dignified, serious appearance that many people fear, Meritorious Artist Tat Binh in his wife's eyes is a humorous, innocent and sincere person.
Outwardly, he looks serious and dignified, but his soul is very... childish, living innocently and never having a soul. I often joke with my granddaughter:'Grandma doesn't know when your grandfather will be willing to grow up'. In art or life, he always aims for fun, humor, optimism. That is also what I love most about Tat Binh" - People's Artist Lan Huong shared.
Currently, both have retired. According to People's Artist Lan Huong, they share and enjoy a peaceful and tranquil life together.
“We have lived together for so many years, a long journey of life, going through life's ups and downs together. There are almost no significant conflicts between me and Mr. Binh. Someone said, Mr. Binh's biggest weakness is loving his wife. That's right. I also love and cherish my husband very much” - People's Artist Lan Huong said.
