Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh retires and receives wishes from colleagues to get married.

On November 21st, Meritorious Artist Xuan Bac, Director of the Vietnam National Drama Theatre, presented the retirement decision to Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh. Xuan Bac stated that he hesitated for a long time before signing the decision because he didn't want to say goodbye to such a valuable brother and colleague as Quoc Khanh.

At the farewell party, Meritorious Artist Xuan Bac didn't know what to wish, so he just wished Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh happiness, while the entire cast of the Vietnam National Drama Theatre chanted, "Wishing Khanh will get married!"

The Board of Directors of the Vietnam National Drama Theatre presented the retirement decision to Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh.

“Mr. Khanh is a very lovable person; I always call him ‘Grandpa Khanh’ – the seahorse that was preserved for 60 years is still intact. Mr. Khanh is deeply committed to his work and loves the theater. He loves the theater so much that during the pandemic, he volunteered to be on duty at the theater. Isn't that something to be appreciated? He's a gentle artist, whatever happens, happens,” Meritorious Artist Xuan Bac shared.

Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh shared with VietNamNet that he did not feel disappointed or sad about this decision because, as an artist, until his last breath, as long as he has the strength, he will perform, on any stage, as long as he can practice his profession.

"The decision to retire is just an administrative procedure. I may not be joining the Vietnam National Drama Theatre to conquer audiences everywhere, both domestically and internationally, but I'm still here, still holding the flag and waiting on the shore, waiting for my colleagues to continue the theatre's glory," shared Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh.

Throughout his 44-year journey pursuing art at the Vietnam National Drama Theatre, Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh stated that he has no regrets or remorse.

"An artist's life has many milestones. A whole youth dedicated to art naturally includes plays where you wish you could perform better the next night, and films where you wish you could reshoot them and do even better. That's the nature of this profession, but I have no regrets about my artistic life."

When asked about artist Quoc Khanh, who is normally a particularly difficult artist to contact – even with colleagues at the theater – and now that he's retired, it must be even harder, even though he's single and has no commitments, he replied:

The male artist shared: "I especially don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Anyone who works with me knows that I'm very principled; I only answer calls after 12 noon. Whatever I do, I have to allocate time for rest. As for contacting me, some are easy, some are difficult. If the phone number shows the caller's name, I answer; otherwise, I hang up."

He further shared that, although he lives alone and has no commitments, like many other artists, relying solely on performance fees wouldn't be enough to cover his living expenses. He revealed that he works many different jobs to meet his life's needs.

Regarding the wishes for "happiness and getting married soon," Meritorious Artist Quoc Khanh said, "It depends on fate." "Everyone has their own thoughts; I'm not chasing after anyone. I've chosen a happy, simple, and peaceful life, and I'll just go with the flow. I don't live to please anyone."

Even my mother, when she was alive, wanted me to get married so I could have children and grandchildren. At first, my mother was very worried, but gradually she understood my personality and way of life, so she stopped urging me.

Then I said again:Now that we're living happily together, if I get married and move somewhere else, would you be able to accept it? Or if my wife says something harsh to you, would you be upset?My mother nodded again, seemingly afraid of it. She said:You can live like that, it'll make you happy."

The male artist said that recently he has received many offers to act in films, but they are all long-running series, and he hasn't been able to arrange his time to participate. He will make arrangements after retirement, as being an actor is the happiest thing for him.

Tinh Le