The three most important things in the life of People's Artist Tra Giang.

People's Artist Tra Giang, born in 1942, is one of the icons of Vietnamese revolutionary cinema. She belonged to the first generation of students at the Vietnam Film University (later the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film).

A brilliant film career

The first film Tra Giang participated in was "One Day in Early Autumn" in 1961. In 1962, the actress played Sister Tu Hau in the film of the same name, earning her a Silver Medal at the Moscow International Film Festival in Russia.

A series of films that followed left their mark on Tra Giang's career, such as:17th parallel day and night(Winner of "Best Actress" at the Moscow International Film Festival)The Battle Song, The Little Girl from Hanoi, The Feast Day of the Saints...She was also the first actress to be awarded the title of People's Artist by the State and honored by the Vietnam Film Association with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tra Giang is one of the actresses who made a great contribution to the national film industry. She overcame difficulties and worked hard during a challenging time, gradually becoming a shining star throughout the 1960s and late 1980s. After her work...The river of white flowers(1989), she officially left the screen.

Tra Giang said she waited for a role that suited her but never found one. In the early 1990s, the country entered the market economy era, and a series of "instant" films were produced. She felt she was not suited to this type of film, so she decided to retire.

Even after leaving acting, Tra Giang has always kept her passion for art alive. For many years, she has regularly participated in film awards ceremonies and film festivals. She sees this as an opportunity to connect with colleagues and younger generations in the profession, and also "to ease her longing for acting."

Occasionally, the artist participates in sharing sessions, reminiscing about her career. She also offers advice to younger generations of actors whenever they meet at events.

"To create great films that resonate across generations, in addition to a good script, the talent and dedication of the director, actors need rigorous training, practice, and experience to truly embody the character's essence and personality."She once shared this.

At 82 years old, the artist lives alone in an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City. For many years, Tra Giang has put aside her dreams of film to pursue a new path – painting.

From her initial thoughts of simply enjoying a stroll, she now has hundreds of drawings of all kinds, inspired by women, films, and the places she has traveled throughout her youth.

The artist jokingly says she "stumbled upon" painting as a saving grace after leaving film. Tra Giang doesn't dare call herself a painter, only considering herself an actress who paints. Nevertheless, to date, she has many proud achievements through 10 group exhibitions and 4 solo exhibitions.

Living alone, enjoying a peaceful old age.

For Tra Giang, the three most important things in her life are acting, her husband, and her daughter. She considers herself fortunate to have a peaceful life, a fulfilling career, and a happy family.

Her husband was Professor of Music Nguyen Bich Ngoc. They married in 1967, and later moved to Ho Chi Minh City to live together until Mr. Ngoc passed away in 1999.

After her husband's death, she felt lost and adrift, as if she had lost a pillar of support. There were times when she faced loneliness day after day, with no way to escape.

Over time, the artist learned to accept sadness and rise again after falling a few times. She believed that no matter what life throws at you, you must be content. Because if you keep dwelling on the past and burying yourself in it, you're only making yourself miserable.

People's Artist Tra Giang and her husband have one daughter, pianist Bich Tra. From the age of 14, Bich Tra studied in Russia and is now a renowned pianist abroad.

Every one or two months, Bich Tra returns to Vietnam for work and to visit her mother. Being far from home, the daughter feels somewhat reassured knowing that her mother is happy and healthy.

"The family of People's Artist Tra Giang is a prime example of a typical artist family in Vietnam, where all family members dedicate their lives to art. Tra Giang and her husband have raised their children to be successful, and I think that among all sacrifices, the sacrifice for family happiness, including emotional sacrifice, is perhaps the greatest and most difficult sacrifice that not every mother can overcome.""The poet Duong Ky Anh once remarked."

Summarizing her life of over 80 years, Tra Giang uses two words: "contentment." Because she views life and people through an optimistic lens, the artist feels that her life is currently peaceful and happy.

She has a positive outlook, finding joy in every moment of everyday life. Artists don't worry about what will happen when they pass away. For her, life is a countdown, so she focuses entirely on today, without thinking about the future.

"Each person has their own destiny, which they cannot choose. We should remain positive and create joy and happiness from simple things.", the artist reflects.