I've grown up
After the success of "Song Lang", you returned with two new projects, "Trap for Money" and "Quan Ky Nam". How have you seen your changes on your acting journey?
- If talking about maturity, I think "Song Lang" is the starting point. That was the first movie that brought me closer to the audience, helping me understand what cinematic emotions are. And "Trap for Money" and "Guan Qi Nam" are two movies marking a new period, where I can control emotions, understand characters and live fully in each role. I am no longer as unfamiliar or shy as before, but learn to listen to my co-stars, respect the acting rhythm and restrain myself.
Of course, I still have a lot to improve. But compared to the initial stage, I see that I have reached a certain "maturity", knowing how to maintain energy, maintain emotions and maintain faith in the profession.
The Golden Bell Awards in Taiwan (China) at the beginning of the year was a memorable milestone in his career. What were your feelings then?
- Honestly, I didn't think I would win the award. In the top 5 nominations, everyone is worthy, everyone has a chance. When hearing my name was announced, my emotions really burst out, both happy, proud, and a little surprised. But above all is the pride when I represent Vietnam on the international stage.
I still clearly remember that moment, wearing a traditional ao dai, standing in the middle of a magnificent auditorium in Taiwan (China). I chose ao dai because I wanted international friends to see Vietnamese culture through the image of a Vietnamese man. At first, I just thought simply: "If I don't be named, at least my image will appear on the big screen with that ao dai". But when I really stepped onto the stage, I felt like I was not alone, but carrying the pride of a Vietnamese child reaching out to the world.
After the Kim Chung award, do you feel pressured to maintain your form for the next roles?
- Pressure is there, but I think it's a pleasant pressure. Because it reminds me that I need to continue to try, need to be more serious, need to be responsible for the trust and love of the audience. I don't see it as a burden, but as motivation for myself to strive every day.
The award is not the destination, but just a reminder that I am going in the right direction.The most important thing is still whether I still maintain my passion and sincerity for the profession or not.
If you had to choose the most memorable role, which role would you choose?
- Definitely the role of Dung "Thien Loi" in "Song Lang". That is the role that helped me make my debut in cinema, brought me closer to the public and opened up many opportunities. The film also brought me many awards, but more importantly, it helped me believe that I could live with the profession.
And recently, the role of doctor Pham Van Ninh in "Doctor Abroad" is also very special. That is the role that helped me become the first Vietnamese person to win the Kim Chung award. Two roles at two different times, but both have special meaning in my career journey.
When receiving a new script, do you feel pressure about revenue or the title of "box office star"?
- Actually, no. I have never chosen a project for fame or salary. My most important criterion is whether the script and the character touch me or not. If the character has depth, has acting space and makes me emotional, I will accept it.
Revenue is something beyond control.I can only do my part well - live fully with the role, try my best, and whether the movie is successful or not is the result of many other factors.
In addition to cinema, audiences also see you actively participating in reality shows such as "Anh trai vượt ngàn chông gai", "Chiến sĩ quả cảm", "Running Man Vietnam".What makes you always give your all like that?
- For me, whatever I have done, I must do my best, whether it's movies, gameshows or sports. When I dedicate enough enthusiasm and time, it will definitely bring good results. I don't care which field, I just need that job to bring positive energy and help me learn something new.
In Running Man Vietnam, I am always ready to sacrifice. In Older Brother Overcoming Thousands of Hardships, I had the opportunity to stand on stage and sing and dance, something I never thought I would do before. That is a very memorable experience.
He is quite secretive in his personal life. Why did he choose to live privately like that?
- I think it's natural. When participating in art, I want the audience to remember the products I make, not private matters. Everyone has a personal life and so do I, I want to keep it normal like everyone else.
I am more interested in what I can contribute to the Vietnamese entertainment industry. What value do I bring, what the audience sees from me, that is what is worth mentioning.
After the big award, are your role selection criteria stricter?
- I still choose films in the old way: Prioritizing scripts and characters. Maybe my way of reading and feeling scripts changes according to experience, but the criteria are not. I want to participate in films with good stories, characters with clear messages, helping the audience see real emotions.
As for the fee or title, I let the management company handle it. As an artist, my job is to do art with all my heart, not to calculate gains and losses.
If you imagine yourself in the next 5 years, how do you want the audience to remember you?
- I don't set too many distant expectations. Currently, I love this job, I am happy every time I act in a movie, stand in front of the camera. Tomorrow may be different, but today I know I am living true to what I love.
If in 5 years or 10 years, I still maintain my sincerity and passion for the profession, then whether I am an actor, a multi-talented artist or an inspiration, I will still find it enough. The most important thing is that I am still wholeheartedly devoted to the work I do.
Thank you for sharing!
