People's Artist Thu Ha: From 'Calendar Queen' to a peaceful life at the age of 54

"The golden rule" of Vietnamese cinema

When talking about the outstanding beauties of the Vietnamese screen in the 90s, it is impossible not to mention People's Artist Thu Ha. Born in Tuyen Quang, People's Artist Thu Ha is a typical example of the saying "Thai tea, Tuyen girls". In her youth, she possessed a pure, elegant beauty that captivated many people.

When Thu Ha was 16 years old, the Military Region 2 art troupe went to recruit actors in the 6 northern provinces. Her neighbor invited her to audition.

With her natural beauty, Thu Ha quickly caught the attention of directors and production organizations. She became one of 10 people chosen to be an actress. From someone who accidentally auditioned, Thu Ha came to the seventh art.

Later, she revealed that she chose to pursue acting because she wanted to lessen the burden on her family. Because when working in the Military Region 2 art troupe, the female artist was provided with food and clothing. She also did not hesitate to play any role, only hoping to do her part well.

"My goal is not to be famous, nor do I think I will succeed in a classic role. The only thing I think about is to do my job well. I am grateful to the circumstances at that time for pushing me to art," the artist once shared.

In 1989, Thu Ha's career reached a new height when director Hai Ninh invited her to play the role of Princess Quynh Hoa in the feature filmLong Tri FestivalAt this time, Thu Ha left the Military Region 2 art troupe and worked at the Hanoi Drama Theater.

The elegant and noble image of People's Artist Thu Ha inLong Tri Festivalhas left an indelible mark in the hearts of the audience. Her beauty is also considered the "gold standard" of Vietnamese cinema.

After that role, Thu Ha was "sought after" all over the country. The female artist continued to be invited to play the role of Nga in the movieJade leaves and golden branches. The role helped the "screen beauty" at that time receive the Best Actress award at the 9th Vietnam Film Festival. To this day, she is still referred to by the audience with the title "jade leaf, golden branch".

The female artist admitted that when taking on this role, she did not show enough "maturity" and that it was mostly because she was suited to the role. Everything to her was like "winning the jackpot".

"I - a provincial girl who just came to Hanoi - don't know why director Vu Chau trusted me with a very Hanoian role. Luckily, when I walked out, everyone exclaimed and said this is truly a young lady.""Jade leaves, golden branches"looking for.

The director, screenwriter, and crew were very good, creating the character for me. If I were at home at that age, I would still be... a tea picking girl," People's Artist Thu Ha confided..

People's Artist Thu Ha is one of the few Northern actresses famous in the Southern television drama industry. At that time, her name was on par with the actors and beauties of the "instant noodle" film industry such as: Ly Hung, Le Cong Tuan Anh, Thuong Tin, Viet Trinh, Diem Huong...

Thu Ha became the "muse" of many films such asThe Queen of the Night blooms late, My hair is blown by the wind, I only have you...Currently, the female artist still maintains a close relationship with Ly Hung.

We met while filming the same movie.After the rosy dreamsarriveBodhi Warrior, the two artists gradually became closer. Every time he had the chance to go to Hanoi, Ly Hung met Thu Ha to confide about life, as well as tell about memories of filming in the past.

"It's a beautiful friendship. I always cherish such relationships. If I have the chance, I also hope that Ly Hung and I can make films and act together like in the past...", People's Artist Thu Ha shared about her friendship with Ly Hung.

Not only did she "storm" the small screen in the 1990s, People's Artist Thu Ha also appeared frequently in calendar photos, becoming the most beloved "calendar queen" of that time. Thu Ha revealed that when she first entered the art world, she received many invitations to take photos with a busy schedule.

She said: "At that time, I was still in the Military Region 2 art troupe, wearing a soldier's uniform. In the morning, I hastily ate a bowl of white rice with light fish sauce and then went to take calendar photos. Each roll of film was very expensive at that time, so the photographer had to meticulously adjust it from morning to noon to take one shot. I was so hungry I almost fainted...".

Peaceful life in old age

When the commercial film industry declined, People's Artist Thu Ha returned to focus on the stage. In recent years, she has returned to acting in television dramas, notably playing the role of Bach Cuc in the filmSunflowers against the sun.

Different from the usual gentle and elegant image, Thu Ha surprised everyone when playing the role of a powerful and sharp woman, facing all difficulties. However, deep inside that woman is resentment and loneliness because she is not protected or shared.

Talking about the opportunity to receive this role, People's Artist Thu Ha said: "With the role of Bach Cuc in the movieSunflowers against the sun, I was invited at the right time when I could arrange work and family matters to participate.

Of course, the role must be attractive and appealing enough to pull me back. This is a role I have never played on screen before."

Although she is now in her twilight years, People's Artist Thu Ha's beauty still receives public attention. People say that she seems to have been "forgotten by time" as she is still as young and beautiful as ever.

People's Artist Thu Ha admitted that she was also shy when the audience called her "ageless beauty": "I see myself as normal like any other woman in her 60s.

Maybe my charisma makes people feel I'm still young or the artistic environment makes people think I don't age, but age can't be hidden."

Talking about the secret to maintaining her beauty, she shared: "I have no secret other than living true to my age and living like any other woman. If you are afraid of aging, it is best to learn to balance everything in life, to know how to let go and overcome difficulties. Even accept everything as gently and calmly as possible."

Behind the stage lights and camera lenses, People's Artist Thu Ha chooses a peaceful, private life with her family. Currently, the artist lives happily with her second husband, a businessman, 15 years older than her, and two obedient sons.

Unlike many actresses of her time, People's Artist Thu Ha prioritizes her time to take care of her family and accompany her children's growth.

Since welcoming her first son more than 20 years ago, the female artist has stopped acting and rarely participated in artistic activities to take care of her family. When her children grew up, she was able to confidently return to film projects that she considered attractive.

For People's Artist Thu Ha, happiness is a peaceful, simple life. She confided: "This "contentment" has been around for a long time. Since I stopped making films, I have also oriented my life towards peace.

Of course, that's just movies, but I still participate in theater very regularly. Only in the past 2 years have I reduced my participation in theater. My profession is theater, so I'm still more passionate about theater."

At the age of U60, People's Artist Thu Ha still appears regularly in activities of the Hanoi Drama Theater. On her personal page, she often shares positive and happy moments of daily life.