The unexpected life of People's Artist Quoc Anh after retirement

Met People's Artist Quoc Anh when he was casting for child actors to participate in the TV series "Trang nhi",PV Dan Trihad time to have a chat, the first time he opened up about his life after 1 month of retirement.

"I perform without caring about the salary"

Honestly, how do you feel right now? After 1 month of deciding to retire, for you, this must be the most relaxing and happiest time?

- The general mentality is that we feel dizzy in the first 1-2 weeks. Life always has its rules, at a certain age, we all have to age not only in health but also in career. What will come will come. That is why there are regulations on retirement age for men and women. When it is a rule, we have to accept it, accept it and therefore there is nothing to be sad or confused about. But if you say that retirement is like this and that, happy... that is not true.

For me, there is no such thing as a leisurely life after retirement. I retire but I definitely will not stop working. Because the Cheo profession has seeped into my blood, so wherever I go, I cannot escape it. As long as I have the strength, I will continue to perform and work. This Cheo profession will follow me for the rest of my life.

People's Artist Quoc Anh at the ceremony to receive his retirement decision. Photo: Hanoi Cheo Theatre

So, after retirement, People's Artist Quoc Anh not only does not have peace and rest, but also has more shows and makes it easier to make money?

- Certainly when still in the position of manager, to run shows or artistic opportunities must be much more limited, even have no time to perform. It must be affirmed that management is a profession, between the theater manager and the performing artist, they are separate, have nothing to do with each other.

As a manager, I have to stay behind the scenes to take care of the Theater and the lives, "food, clothing, rice, money" of hundreds of artists, which is not simple.

So when I retire, I have more conditions and time to participate in making movies, stage shows or other programs that I want and like. It can be said that this is the time when I live more comfortably and "enjoy" my career more. I still participate in teaching and from now until the end of the year, I also receive many invitations to participate in Tet comedy films or many other programs...

Of course, at this age, I am always selective, even in shows. I can't be as easy-going and indulgent as when I was younger.

I am comfortable and satisfied with my job, but I always have to think this in my head: At this age, I am not allowed to make mistakes or say "If only this, if only that". Because if I am over 60 and still have "if only" there will be no chance to do it again.

So what kind of movie, play or comedy does People's Artist Quoc Anh participate in?

- Honestly, I'm old so I'm not interested anymore. My career perspective has always been very clear, I never accept random roles to do boring, bland comedy roles. If the script is bad but the pay is high, I don't think it's suitable for the role, I also refuse.

Therefore, I will agree to participate in any film with a good, engaging script that leaves beautiful, meaningful emotions in the audience's heart. For me, I will always pursue anything that is humane.

Many people were surprised by the story of People's Artist Quoc Anh's salary that made many colleagues cry. A veteran artist, the "king of Northern Cheo" like him, is willing to perform without taking a salary?

- That's correct. I always think that artists who carry out the Cheo profession like me have been given that profession by our predecessors and we need to repay them. Wherever I go, I am proud to be a Cheo artist, an artist of the Hanoi Cheo Theatre. Wherever I go, wherever I am, whatever I do, whether it's comedy, drama or any art-related program, if I have the chance, I immediately "show off" my Cheo profession.

The same goes for the Theatre. If my name is introduced, for example, they will give me an additional salary of 5, 7 or 10 million VND. I am willing to send that money back to the Theatre and only take a small amount for gas and travel expenses. The salary is not important to me, because my greatest desire is to bring the audience closer to the art of Cheo. That is always in my heart and mind.

People's Artist Quoc Anh shared that he retired but did not stop working. If he had the means and health, he would still go to work and perform without caring or demanding for pay. Photo: Hanoi Cheo Theater

Your salary when it was "expensive" and until now must be calculated in gold bars, right?

- Honestly, salary is not important to me, the most important thing is that I can do what I like. At the age of over 60, earning a lot of money is useless, the old saying is right: "When you die, you take it with you". So it's best to just do what you like and feel humane and meaningful, that's happiness, that's richness.

I tell you, in the past, there were people who loved my voice, there were people who sent poems to the studio for me to recite. They asked me how much money I would charge, but I said I was shy, I didn’t ask for much, I just accepted whatever they sent. But when I recited poems about Bai Dinh pagoda, they sent me 40 million.

I can confirm that when the troupe performs at festivals or in the countryside and introduces Quoc Anh as an extra, performing a comedy series for example, they will definitely be paid an additional 10 - 20 million.

But that doesn't mean I ask for or demand a high salary, it depends on my children and grandchildren. If I have the means and health, I will perform for my children and grandchildren, for the audience, and I will take the salary as my brothers or even just enough to pay for gas.

I just wish to have good health. The Cheo profession has given me so much, so I always think that if I have the means, I will pay back the Cheo profession at all costs, which is to promote the chants and melodies to the public. That is my last wish.

"Up to now, my life can be said to be peaceful, safe and there is nothing to regret," People's Artist Quoc Anh shared. Photo: Collected

"My current life can be called peaceful"

The audience is very curious about the daily life of People's Artist Quoc Anh behind the roles on stage or after retirement?

- Up to now, my life can be said to be safe, peaceful and without any more storms. I also said from the beginning, at the age of over 60, it is best to never say the two words "if only" when doing, saying or deciding anything.

People say that the greatest joy in old age is to be with children and grandchildren, but my situation is a bit difficult because I cannot have children.

Before, when I was 30, 40 years old, I thought a lot, felt heavy-hearted and blamed myself a lot. But at this age, to me, everywhere is family, even my stepchildren, I have always treated them well like my own children. For me, my current life can be called peaceful, comfortable in my career and there is nothing to regret.

And to be in that peace, there must be the figure and sacrifice of a woman, and that woman is no longer young, almost 60 years old. But to me, age is not as important as caring for and loving each other to live.

With art, I think there is never a peak, but always constantly creating and reaching out. I will even proactively contact the director to ask for a role if I like a certain role or read a good, interesting script.

At the age of over 60, after retirement, People's Artist Quoc Anh still looks very stylish, with a youthful style. What is his exercise and diet like?

- To be honest, I am an extremely easy-going and simple person when it comes to food, not fussy or having any regimen. I just like to eat tofu, boiled tofu with salt, sometimes I can eat it all day. I don't exercise, my hobby in my free time is fishing.

As for the secret, I think it's all in your thinking. Whatever is fun and happy, you should keep it, and whatever is worrying and sad, you should get rid of it, that way you'll be comfortable.

Before, when I was still a manager, I had to restrain myself and force myself to complete tasks. Now, I can freely choose and do what I like, so I feel more comfortable. My soul will definitely be younger and more excited.

Everyone will grow old at some point, but don't think about it too much. If you think too much, it will come to you very quickly. No one in life is as round as a marble, so just live your life to bring as much meaningful laughter to yourself and to as many people as possible.

Thanks for sharing!