Thanh Van: 'I've been in this profession for 20 years but I don't feel like I belong here'

Thanh Van Oc appears in the new film The Girl from the Past by Nam Cito - Bao Nhan. Photo: NVCC

Thanh Van is not pressured by fame

After the success of the movieFlip sideWhy did Thanh Van accept to participate in the movie?The Girl from the Past?

- After 6 years of not filming any movies, I'm back to filming.Flip sidebecause the role was good and because Ly Hai's family and my family were... neighbors. After more than a year, I finally accepted a guest role in the movie.The Girl from the Past.

I like cinema but I didn’t have many opportunities before because I had too many jobs from drama, being an MC for game shows, talk shows… When cinema developed, I was busy being a mother to my children. I myself don’t want the jobs I participate in or the films I appear in to not bring any value. So sometimes I come back selectively. And I think partners also have to be selective when inviting someone. Therefore, when I receive an invitation, I will also appreciate it.

I admire talented young people so I really admire the creativity and success of the director duo Nam Cito and Bao Nhan in the film series.Old girls have many tricks.When receiving an invitation to join the projectThe Girl from the Past, I see the role is suitable then accept.

This role is a new experience, unlike the way I worked before. This film is not like the other film crews I have been through, there is suffocating pressure but it gives me a new and worthwhile feeling. This year I only participate in 2 projects, people will only see me appear occasionally.

Thanh Van is not pressured by fame or glory. Photo: NVCC

Continuity is necessary to keep the fire burning with the audience, but Oc Thanh Van only accepts very selective offers..SnailThanh VanAre you worried that people will forget you and you will have to rebuild your name?

- Honestly, the word halo has never been a pressure for me. I love the art of acting and have strived for every opportunity since I was a student. Up to now, I have achieved certain achievements. Now, I do not think about halo, fame, I have refused many interviews because I do not see myself as new or outstanding. I am satisfied with my life today, besides doing small business, I take care of my family.

Thanh Van completely stopped everything related to television from game shows to talk shows.

What is a day like for Thanh Van to be considered satisfactory?

- I still strive for life, but I just don't want to be exhausted. What makes me change is nothing more than the word family. When children reach the age of exploring life, they need their parents to be there to listen and share.

I stopped doing anything related to television, from game shows to talk shows, not because I didn’t like it. Nor because the work didn’t bring value to the community. Nor because they did anything wrong to me or vice versa, but simply because I wanted to spend time with my family.

I have time to practice yoga, stay healthy, cook, raise and take care of my children like a family, take them to school, and spend time with my mother. Occasionally I act in movies. I no longer have the opportunity to perform on stage because it is closed and I don’t know when it will return to its former glory.

Thanh Van's family. Photo: NVCC

I am still very passionate about acting, I want the audience to remember the role after leaving the theater. With cinema, after watching the film, the audience expresses their feelings about the character, that is the joy of the acting profession. I have to thank Ly Hai for convincing me to act in films again. Because without that invitation, people would probably forget about Oc Thanh Van who knows how to act and act in movies.

I appreciated the invitation from Mr. Hai and did my best for the role, not an actor who comes and goes without leaving any emotion. It had been a long time since I had filmed, so I focused 200% of my energy on completing the role, not thinking about something far away like the word halo. Because I had chosen a different life, I found myself content with family life.

Why did Thanh Van's thoughts and life change so completely?

- The simple reason is that I live true to myself. I have been in this profession for 20 years but I feel like I don't belong here, I don't belong to the glitz and glamour outside.

I am a family woman. I am not too old but fortunately I became famous early. But I think I am luckier in that I am enlightened and I gradually let go of work instead of constantly holding on to work like before. When I gradually let go of everything, I feel lighter. Being a normal person is very peaceful.

Thanh Van now has an additional job as a yoga instructor. Photo: NVCC

Thanh Van and her daughter. Photo: NVCC

What would actress Oc Thanh Van be like as a mother?

- Recently, I have spent a lot of time practicing yoga and raising my children properly. Each stage of raising children is different. When my children are grown up, this is the time when I put my mind and energy into the truest sense of the word family. I am a yoga instructor and help people create a truly gentle life. I only work for my job, not as an actor seeking more fame or glory. Every day, I look forward to breathing fresh air and taking care of my children.

Have a coldThanks Thanh Van for sharing!