People's Artist Thu Hien

- What does Tet mean to you?People's Artist Thu Hien?

Traditional Tet is a special occasion for me, every year Tet comes.springThe family gathers together. The taste of Tet makes everyone miss their homeland more. I remember the days of celebrating Tet in the military zone and the years of singing to serve the soldiers on the front line. Every time Tet comes, I love the Central region. My father's hometown is Phu Tho, I was born in Thai Binh, I grew up in Hanoi, but I lived mainly in the Central region during the war years, so "the Central region's potatoes and rice nourished me, so I always felt attached to the Central region".

- People's Artist Thu Hien, can you share about the years you sang to serve the army and people?

I followed the soldiers to all the battlefields, like from 1967 - 1968, I joined the Northwest army in a performance to encourage the fighting spirit of the soldiers and people on the Central frontline against the US. In 1972, I joined the Central Highlands art troupe to perform at the moment of Quang Tri liberation. In 1975, I and the Central Ethnic Music Group performed at the milestone of Hue city liberation... All the important historical milestones marked the spiritual dedication to the soldiers and people on the battlefield. And that's why my Tet also has memories with the soldiers.

People's Artist Thu Hien with her husband, a hero of the armed forces.

- It seems that People's Artist Thu Hien's Tet is always associated with soldiers?

My singing grew up on the battlefield, and my life is closely associated with soldiers. My husband is also a soldier (Hero of the Armed Forces Vu Ngoc Dinh - PV). I love and am attached to my husband because he has a simple lifestyle, knows how to sympathize and share. In addition to the relationship between husband and wife, there is also the relationship between us, comrades in arms and also teammates.

- What do you usually do during Tet?

In previous years, I still sang to serve the audience during Tet, and there was no Tet that I could fully celebrate. But in recent years, because of my age and the pandemic, I have not sung much anymore. When Tet comes, I am like everyone else, preparing things and flowers to worship my ancestors. Gathering with my children and grandchildren, I think that family reunion is the greatest joy. During Tet, my husband and I cook and play with the children. This year, I do not travel or perform.

- Does your family still celebrate Tet in the traditional way?

Even though I live in an apartment in Saigon, I still celebrate Tet traditionally like everyone else. It is still the same national rituals, the same simple lifestyle as the Vietnamese people have always celebrated Tet. I still cook traditional dishes, still welcome my children and grandchildren, give lucky money, and send New Year wishes to everyone, my colleagues and the younger generation.

- Do you accept singing this year?

This year, I prepared for Tet quite early because it has been a long time since I have not accepted all the shows before Tet. I occasionally sing for live TV shows but do not participate in game shows. Now I perform to relieve my longing for the profession because I love singing so much. When I have satisfied that longing for the profession, I will return to the young people, bringing the passion of the profession to them.

- What do you wish for the new year?

I wish you health and peace. I hope everyone is healthy. During an epidemic like this, the most precious thing is health.