My Tam: 'I feel safe when I'm with Mai Tai Phen'

- CWhat is the nature of your relationship with actor Mai Tài Phến after four years of working together?

- I've started calling Mai Tài Phến "brother," while he still calls me "Aunt Út" (laughs). We treat each other well now. In the future, if things work out, we'll move towards a more serious relationship; if not, we'll remain friends. Phến likes me, and I like him too.

I like Phen for his gentle, sweet, and thoughtful nature. He's understanding, so I feel comfortable around him without having to be on guard. Phen gives me positive energy and is always there for me in any situation. He doesn't hurt me, doesn't ask for anything from me, so there's no reason for me to reject his feelings.

My Tam hopes the pandemic will be well controlled so she can hold her "Tri Am" live show in March in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Photo:Character provided.

ButWhat kind of person are you when you're in love?

- I want to feel safe and secure with that person. When I'm in love, I'll do anything to make time to meet them and proactively say, "I'm really free right now." I can do things I've never done before for my loved one. I love the feeling of being in love because it's "so satisfying," making me more excited in every moment of my life. When I'm in love, my stage performances are different from usual.

I've been in three relationships, the longest 10 years, the shortest 5 years. After breaking up, I initially disliked them, but after a while, the relationship became normal and I consider them close friends.

- When many people are interested in your love life, what kind of pressure do you face?

- My fans are the ones who care about everything in my life, and I'm also curious to see who this person or that person is dating or in love with. If I get married, I'll show it off; if I have children, I'll never hide it. My philosophy is that when two people love each other, want to live together, and don't want to be separated, that's enough; there's no need for marriage. If I happen to get pregnant, I'll decide to get married. But if the child's father refuses to marry, I'm not afraid to raise the child alone because I've always been independent in life.

ButHow has the pandemic affected your life?

- I have a quiet life, rarely leaving the house. In 2020, many people struggled because of the pandemic, but I was lucky to survive because I had savings. When Covid-19 was controlled in the last months of last year, I didn't accept shows even though I received many invitations. One pandemic followed another, and my plans for a live show didn't go as planned, which made me feel down. During that time, I spent my time resting, reflecting on past events, including my mistakes. I watched movies, read books, and researched cooking. Before, I liked baking bread but didn't have time; now I'm much better. I also have warm family meals together.

Besides the turbulent social situation, the past year has also been filled with personal challenges, such as health problems, a recurring sore throat that prevented me from singing, and dealing with relationship issues. I've been stressed and haven't been sleeping well.

ButHow did you get through that difficult period?

- I'm listing each issue, confronting them directly, and resolving problems frankly. Last August, I was very angry about the rumors that I was pregnant. But thinking about it again, I realized the rumors were due to my lack of careful attention to my image, leading to misunderstandings. At that time, Mai Tài Phến was attacked by fans, which made me very upset, forcing me to speak out and explain.

I always protect the people I love. I give them confidence that even if everyone else turns their backs on me, I'll still be there. Not to mention my lover, if anyone touches my friends, I'll protect them to the end, regardless of the consequences. Like in Mai Tài Phến's case, I feel happy and comfortable being around him. But many fans have said unpleasant things about our relationship. I'd rather lose fans than let Phến be criticized. And if my friends don't like Phến, I'll stop being friends with them. In my relationship with Mai Tài Phến, if anything happens, I'll take full responsibility. I appreciate them worrying about me suffering if I date someone else. But all I need is for them to say: "Tâm, are you happy? Just relax. If you feel tired, I'll be there for you." Friends who say things like that are what I truly cherish.

ButStarting 2021 with the "Tri Am" live show, what are you looking forward to?

- I hope the audience can release their stress from the pandemic over the past year, it's as simple as that. It's incredibly heartwarming that everyone is always waiting for my live show, which gives me the motivation to perform. After 20 years in music, at this point, what I've achieved is a sense of freedom. To get that, I went through a process of struggle, contemplation, and perfectionism in my work. For example, in my recent release, the music video...He doesn't know.I instructed the team to adjust the image aspect ratio on the poster, even though it was invisible to the naked eye. I knew that not making the changes wouldn't affect the final product, but I knew there were details that needed correction, and I wouldn't let them slide.

After the showA kindred spirit,I plan to screen a documentary film that will fully portray My Tam, showing everything the audience wants to see most about her. People will understand why I've maintained my passion for music for the past 20 years.

Mai Tài Phến was born in 1991 in Bac Lieu, graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film in 2016, and gained attention after appearing in a music video.Rain GirlHe collaborated with My Tam starting from the music video.Don't ask me(2017), in which they played lovers. Later, Tai Phen participated in the film.His assistant(2019) directed and starring My Tam. His character is a director who has feelings for his older female assistant. When the film was released, the two artists went together to film promotions and charity events. Later, they were spotted on the same flight and were seen being close. Many viewers commented that the actor was not a good match for the singer from Da Nang. The female singer defended him twice. My Tam was born in 1981 and had never publicly dated anyone before.