Around the photo worthy of the title 'Queen of Northern calendar photos' by People's Artist Minh Hoa

Next to the calendar photo you just published, there is also a documentary photo recording the activities of a newsstand at that time with many calendar photos of beauties from both regions competing in beauty. What is the origin of that photo, ma'am?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:That photo vividly reflects Hanoi in the 90s of the last century, the country was still poor, everything looked... old. I found it very interesting but still don't know which author took that photo.

The documentary photo, whose author is unknown to People's Artist Minh Hoa, takes viewers back to the not-so-distant past.

But I heard many people say that it was the fans who sent you the photo?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:Because my younger brother saw that photo online, because it had my picture, he "copied" it and sent it to me. I still have the calendar photo that Lai Hien took. I thought it was so good that I thought: Oh, why don't I introduce it to the younger generation, so they know that people at that time were still having such a hard time, the market economy was just starting, and actors were already taking calendar photos. However, the calendar photo that I kept was not as beautiful as before. The maid who used to clean the house saw that the photo was covered in dust, because she had no experience, she used a rag to wipe it, so there were some marks on the photo.

At that time, it seemed that not many Northern actors were featured in calendar photos?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:Back then, people called me “The Queen of Northern Calendar Photos”. My calendar photos flooded the market and were often reprinted.

Do you know that your 1990s calendar photo is being shared by many people online?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:I know. Many young people even invited each other: Arrange the scene and take pictures like her in the past. Young people commented on the photo humorously, very happy.

People's Artist Minh Hoa in 1990 calendar photo. Photo: Lai Hien

Was there any intervention in the photo at that time, ma'am?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:No, not at all. If you're asking about the calendar photo, the author is still alive, photographer Lai Hien.

You are one of the long-standing famous artists. Until now, the name Minh Hoa still attracts the attention of the audience. Did you ever imagine your artistic path would be so long and fruitful?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:I am very grateful to everyone who loves me. No one knows what will happen in life. I only know that when I graduated from the University of Theatre and Cinema, I was valedictorian, and I was able to go to Russia to study directing. But that day, I asked to stay because I only wanted to be an actor, not knowing what directing was? I asked Mr. Dinh Quang to stay, because at that time he was the principal, from 1981 to 1986. So he wished me: I wish you will become a famous artist in the future. I kept thinking and following his wishes, kept striving, striving with all my passion, eager to learn, eager to observe, and improve my profession. Besides, I had to pay attention to my appearance. This profession requires talent and beauty.

You almost never have any "plastic surgery" on your face?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:My most precious asset is the beauty that my parents gave me. People used to say to my parents, this baby has all the beauty of them. I still have a picture of him when he was a baby, his features back then, thank goodness, look so perfect.

ResourcesYour talent has been recognized. How much of your success is due to beauty? You have played stunningly beautiful roles, such as Mrs. Tran Le Xuan in the movie “The Advisor”. Is that an advantage of beauty?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:(laugh). Evaluating yourself will not be as fair as the audience's evaluation.

Time does not erode the beauty of People's Artist Minh Hoa.

At this age, how do you maintain your beauty?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:My secret is simple. I still have to take care of my skin from time to time, now there are non-invasive cosmetic treatments. We can do thread lifts, but don’t overdo it, if you overdo it it will be bad, your face will become stiff.

You have a large number of young fans?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:My Facebook is of interest to many young people.

Why does every role you play on TV attract the audience's attention?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:I am also picky about films, I don’t do too many. People ask me what film I will do next after this film (“Thuong Ngay Nang Ve”). I also have to recharge my energy and then see if a role is good I will do it again. The films I participate in all create good effects, my roles are also loved.

For People's Artist Minh Hoa, the concept of "retirement" seems to not exist?

People's Artist Minh Hoa:Everyone says so. Thank goodness!