Mai Tai Phen: 'Huong Tram is the shortest love of my life'

Mai Tai Phen became a name that the audience was interested in after participating in two MVs.Rain Sisteranddon't ask me. He is probably the rare actor who became famous thanks to illustrating MVs for singers. If everyone thinks he is a lucky hot boy, Mai Tai Phen affirms that he has had a process of striving and success is a worthy result.

- You became famous and sought after right after you acted as an illustration in 2 music videos of My Tam and Huong Tram. What do you think when people say Mai Tai Phen became a star in one step?

- 2017 was a lucky and amazing year when I did 3 remarkable things. That was acting as an illustration in 2 famous MVs.Rain Sister,don't ask meand won the Cinema Faces championship.

Especially, with Cinema Face, I have surpassed my limits. If I had not competed, I would definitely not have been selected to participate in the 2 MVs. People who watched the show and the 2 MVs thought I was lucky, becoming a star in one step, not knowing that I had gone through many years of hardship.

Since joining the show, I have been under a lot of pressure. I had to handle everything by myself, from the script, costumes to the stage. Halfway through the competition, I wanted to give up because I was too exhausted. The competition was tomorrow but I still didn’t have a script. I was devastated and really felt weak.

I picked up the phone to ask my colleagues for help but didn’t dare to call anyone. In the end, I had to call my parents. Normally, I don’t talk much about work, but when I’m at my wits’ end, my family is my salvation and my motivation.

After I complained to my parents, all the burdens and difficulties seemed to disappear. And I don’t know where the motivation came from, helping me think of a script and practice like crazy all night to have a good performance. Then, when I stepped on stage, I performed as if someone had possessed me.

- But it cannot be denied that thanks to that luck and bright appearance, he easily gets noticed?

- The most important thing is still having ability. If you are lucky but not capable, how can you be recognized? Until now, I feel that I have tried and the results I received are worthy.

After graduating, I also played music at the Trong Dong and 126 stages. Not only that, I was also unemployed, not doing anything for 7 months. At that time, I had to live on the money my parents sent me.

I was very confused, wondering if I was in the right career. Sometimes I thought about going back to my hometown to try it out. My parents also asked me to go back to do business.

- 7 months in a rented room without a job, how do you live?

- I just stay at home and go to the gym, don't drink alcohol, don't have a girlfriend, don't call my family. I live like I'm isolated from the world.

I think a man who leaves home with nothing in hand and surrenders to go back to his hometown is not worthy of being a man. I decided to give myself another year of opportunity. I vowed that if I had nothing by the end of 2017, I would give up everything and go back to my hometown to do business with my family.

- What did you think about during those unemployed days?

- I changed my thinking and outlook on life. Before, I believed that with my looks and acting ability, I would definitely be invited, and I didn't need to proactively ask for roles. But the harsh reality helped me realize that I was wrong, too shallow, so I had to proactively look for opportunities.

When I had nothing, I begged people. When I became famous, people invited me automatically. Therefore, I opened up to everyone about my dream of performing. I didn't care about money, so I accepted anything anyone offered me.

I participated as a supporting actor for actors in game shows like Laughter Across Vietnam and Drama with Bolero. At that time, I was good at comedy, people advised me to compete in comedy game shows but I didn't compete and I wasn't confident enough.

When I heard about the Cinema Face program, I was extremely excited because I felt it suited me. I never expected that thanks to this contest, my life would turn a new page.

- How has rapid fame changed your life and personality?

- There are many. From someone who was often crossed out after casting for commercials and movies, I received many contracts. Now, sometimes I don't need to audition but am invited directly. Being rejected for a role at the last minute made me sad at first, but then I accepted it because I understood that it was the law of life.

I remember filming fairy tales until 4-5am but the pay was only a few hundred thousand. Sometimes I filmed without money, being scolded and bullied was normal. When I was an extra, people called me "that guy" and "you".

Now that I am famous, I am respected more. When I am urged to go out to film, they call out: “Phen, it’s your turn, go out to film”. The difference in treatment before and after being famous is terrible.

- Young actors when they become famous often work hard to run shows, taking advantage of opportunities to make money. What about you?

- When I take on any job, I have to think about whether I can do it well or not. If I take on a lot of work without being able to arrange my time and it affects many people, then I should stop. Sometimes I also fall into a state of "burning myself" running shows and ask myself: what am I doing?

Therefore, I decided to choose quality work, not quantity. Because I was selective about roles and events, I was known as a snob. Many people were angry when I refused to participate in the project.

- Not only are you arrogant, people say you also demand high pay?

- My current salary has increased a lot compared to before, but it is in accordance with the value and effort I put in. Many people say that Mai Tai Phen, who has just become famous, is already paid such a high salary.

They don’t know that it’s hard for artists to be known by the audience. I’ve experienced and suffered a lot, although compared to all of you, I’m nothing. As for my salary, it’s up to my manager to decide. Of course, everything has to be reasonable, I can’t ask for an exorbitant price.

- After a year of being famous, you bought a house. How does it feel to own your first big property in Saigon?

- I bought it in installments and also with the help of my family. How could I have enough money to buy a house so quickly? I still remember when I went to Saigon to start a business, when I went to my relatives' house, I felt that buying a house was so far away. Now that I have done it, I am worried because of the law of life, losing one thing, gaining another.

I worry about my health, my appearance, and the pressure of having to stay in shape. So I am meticulous, take care of my skin, and use face masks. As an actor, it is not acceptable to go out looking ugly.

- What do you think when behind the scenes there is a rumor that a rich man gave Mai Tai Phen a house?

- How could that happen? I've always liked to work and buy everything for myself. I don't want to rely on anyone, even my family. I'm capable. How can a man depend on me?

When they give you something, there must be a condition. And that condition is terrible. I believe that things that belong to you must be made by yourself.

- But have you received many attractive offers?

- Yes, but those are just messages from fans asking how I am, wanting to meet me. I also have fans abroad. There is one who texts me every day and watches all my shows. It is normal for artists to be loved by the audience. As for me, I just want to thank them for their love.

- Recently, in the program Thank God You're Here, Tran Thanh humorously talked about his 1-month relationship with Huong Tram. Was that your shortest relationship?

- You could say that. But Tram and I are not really in love. We are just getting to know each other, not in a passionate relationship.

I like Tram because that young girl sings well and is full of confidence. Huong Tram, along with director Kawaii, My Tam and the show Cinema Faces, have helped me succeed. Working with Tram, I learned a lot from her. Not every young person can do that.

- With such a strong impression of Huong Tram, why don't you two continue your love?

- We don't have time for each other. At this age, we both have a lot of work to do and worry about the future. We both think that we should only date when our jobs are stable. It's best for both of us to prioritize work. I also don't want to date anyone at this time.

- Have you ever felt pressured because of Huong Tram's fame and strength?

- That's part of the reason. However, I'm still confident in myself because I understand my own capabilities. I consider Tram's fame and success as motivation for me to try harder.

I am optimistic, always turning difficulties into motivation to overcome. In fact, I only do what I think I can do. In 2018, I want to excel in big projects, challenging myself more.

- Between you and Huong Tram, who suggested stopping the relationship?

- We both understand each other. We both feel the same way, giving each other time to do our own things. Even though we don't continue, we still maintain a good relationship. Tram is still on the film set.Rain SisterVisit everyone. My Tam still sends food to the film crew from time to time. After finishing the MV, everyone still chats with each other, that makes me happy.

When I love someone, I have to spend time with them, not work all the time and not care about each other. Now, when I come home from work, I'm tired and can't go out. If the work isn't done, then love can't succeed.

- What did Huong Tram say when their one-month relationship was brought up on the show Oh My God?

- No, she didn't say anything. It's a cute show, nothing sensitive.

- Working with two of V-Pop's top famous singers, what do you remember most about them?

- With Tram, I see the energy, courage, ambition and calculation of youth. Looking at her, I see a young person with a lot of experience. As for My Tam, she is experienced, cheerful on the outside but serious and responsible when it comes to work.

These two women are so perfect. I realize that successful people are all dedicated and good people. No one is evil or careless and can be successful, so I respect those who are famous.