Five years after "The Song of the Sun",Thu HaShe recently returned to the small screen with "Sunflower Against the Sun," which aired on television.VTVFrom December 14th. Five years is a long time, and many things change, especially filmmaking technology. Did you encounter any difficulties while working on this film?

People's Artist Thu Hà. Photo: LAN ANH

ButIt was very difficult because I had to concentrate intensely due to the long and challenging dialogue. Bạch Cúc in the film is a strong, decisive woman; she shoulders the entire family business and constantly confronts all the other characters with conflict and hatred. Bạch Cúc is completely different from me and from the roles I've played before. Honestly, it was precisely this huge difference that made me accept this role. I wanted to surpass myself.

But to be honest, it took me a while to get used to the pace of the show. And it wasn't until I saw the trailer that I felt somewhat reassured. When I received the first 20 episodes of the script, it felt so heavy; I didn't even know if I could handle it. At that time, the script was still being written, and I expected the following episodes to be lighter. Unexpectedly, the editors pushed the drama to its extreme as the series progressed. I had experienced this pressure once before on stage, playing Ai Trinh in the play "Dust," but this was my first television role. Luckily, director Vu Truong Khoa always reassured me; I received a lot of support from him.

So, did you face any pressure from your family, since arranging to spend six months filming must not have been easy for you?

- From the beginning, I've always had the support and encouragement of my family. It's been a long time since I acted in a film, so I had to arrange all the household chores accordingly. I always think of myself as a lucky person in my career. My artistic path has been quite easy; I've achieved everything I hoped for, and I've also had what my family and friends wished for. I haven't acted in many films; I've only taken on four television projects, two of which were directed by Vu Truong Khoa.

In "Sunflower Against the Sun," your character, Bach Cuc, suffers many tragedies and is alone in both love and business. What are your thoughts on women constantly having to struggle in life?

- That's the tragedy of Bach Cuc, and also of loveless marriages. From personal experience, as well as through films and stage performances, I can say that everything must have love. Marriages must stem from love, then from affection and loyalty. If life is too self-serving, tragedy will occur. As a woman, no one can accept their husband's infidelity. But because of the facade of family tradition, sometimes people have to accept it with bitterness.

People's Artist Thu Hà receiving the title of People's Artist in September 2019. At that time, she was 50 years old.

Since starring in director Vu Chau's "Precious Leaves and Golden Branches," for over 30 years, the title "precious leaves and golden branches" has been associated with her. In real life, is People's Artist Thu Ha truly like that?

- For me, "Precious Leaves and Golden Branches" is the title of a film, a beautiful role, but in real life, I live very simply. People often use the phrase "precious leaves and golden branches" to refer to wealthy young women, but I'm just an ordinary office worker. It's true that I became famous early on, but I think I've always lived simply with everyone; I don't have any distance from my friends, neighbors, or fans.

Is simplicity, gentleness, and a lack of ambition the secret to her still looking so beautiful at 50?

- I think the first thing to do to stay young is to relax your mind. Because my work environment is very youthful, there's no gap between me and younger generations, so I blend in with the younger staff. That's very important; the positive energy makes me feel younger. Someone asked me about my beauty secret, and it's very simple: I don't spend money on spas or gyms, I just walk and cycle. Everything just happens steadily and gently. I've kept the same hairstyle for years, and I only go to the hair salon two or three times a year. You have to accept the reality that you can't be a young girl forever. Each age has its own beauty. You should live with what you have, not dwell on the past. Each age brings new joys and experiences.

Famous, beautiful, and happy—many people must be envious of Thu Ha. What do you think?

- Just enjoy your life in the most positive way possible, and you will be happy. Actually, everyone's life has its ups and downs; it's not always smooth sailing, it's not as beautiful as in the movies. What matters is how you look at it.

Looking back on everything that has happened, is there anything you regret?

- I regret many things. I regret my youth, I regret the things I didn't accomplish, for example, this role as Bach Cuc. Clearly, when life reaches a new stage, you learn to appreciate what you have more, love yourself more, overlook the mistakes of others, live more simply, and not be so envious.

What is most precious to you right now?

- It's very simple, just a normal life, having children, taking care of them. Even resting is a source of happiness. No excessive demands or ambitions.