Haunted by the tragic scenes of life
The two programs "Singing for Tomorrow" and "Vietnamese Family Home" that you are hosting are nominated for the 2023 Human Act Prize. What do these two programs mean to you?
"Sing for Tomorrow" is a "one-of-a-kind" program because it falls into special circumstances when it is carried out right after the Covid-19 pandemic. The program honors the frontline forces who did not hesitate to face difficulties and dangers to rush into the middle of the epidemic to save lives and help people.
At the same time, helping those in difficult lives and situations after the pandemic. There were families who lost all their loved ones, children who were orphaned by both parents... It was a tearful program that haunted me for a long time after it was completed.
Over the years, Quyen Linh has always been associated with charity programs.
"Vietnamese Family Shelter" is a continuation of "Singing for Tomorrow". The program aims to support children in difficult circumstances and hopes to give them a "lifesaver" to cling to in their difficult lives, opening up a new future. Without the program, many children may have to drop out of school.
These two programs and many other programs I have done such as "Overcoming Yourself", "Resurrection Support"... are all humanitarian programs.
Is it easy to invite Quyen Linh to participate in such programs?
I don't care about "inviting" but just being a companion. Many entertainment programs can invite me, but charity programs use the word "calling".
Friends called to ask for support, I will come as soon as I understand the nature of the program. For me, it is an obligation and responsibility. Seeing the difficult situation, everyone is ready to roll up their sleeves and work, no need to invite anyone.
Being chosen by producers for charity programs is a blessing. Perhaps people trust me because I can connect disadvantaged people with benefactors and sponsors.
The programs I support always have a good impact. The program helps 5 families, but through my influence, the number of families helped can be 10.
There are situations where people initially only received about ten million VND in support, but when I lead the program, more people know about it and send hundreds of millions of VND in support.
Besides, many producers probably think I can handle the rain and the sun. For nearly 30 years, the sun and wind have been on my face.
I think I'm quite "buffalo". I wake up at 4-5am, go to work regardless of rain, wind, or scorching sun. Honestly, many artists can't get up, it's so tiring!
So what inspired you to do it?
Not at first, but I got used to it. I just thought, if I don't try to wake up early, I won't be able to get there in time. If I do a heart surgery program and arrive late and can't complete the paperwork in time to support the hospital fees, there might be people who can't wait for the surgery.
Or if I don’t arrive in time, some child might have to drop out of school because of family difficulties. Once, a child was about to take a bus to Ho Chi Minh City to find a job. Luckily, I arrived in time and convinced the family to let him stay and continue his studies.
Those are the motivations that urge me to get up and go. For the past few decades, I have been working like a machine, my health has been declining. But I try my best to make those in difficult situations happier.
I get more
You always say you are just a connector, is that too modest?
My help is too small compared to society. There are people who help a lot but they don't say anything, they don't show up.
When you are with people in difficult situations, you will definitely spend all your money to share with them. Sometimes, you even want to have more to give them.
Today I share everything, tomorrow I can do it, but there are people who can't do it. Sometimes I think, if I didn't have a family to take care of, I would share everything.
Actually, I just want to express my feelings to spread more. If you don't go, don't see, you can ignore it. If you go, you see, you can't!
How many lives have been helped by your connection or your help, which has warmed their hearts and given them more motivation to overcome difficulties. And you, as the connector, what have you gained?
I get more than them! The money I give can be counted, but what I receive cannot be measured or calculated.
Wherever I go, I receive great affection from everyone, words of encouragement, sharing, handshakes or hugs, chicken, banh tet...
MC Quyen Linh
That's what makes me happy for nearly 30 years of accompanying charity programs.
If I could go back, I would do the same. I want to be a voice for those in difficult situations. Having been poor, I understand that when people fall into hardship, they will not know where to turn. At that time, if someone gives them motivation, they will become much stronger.
Maybe that's why I always look like a motorbike taxi driver. Many people say I don't look like an artist, I'm sloppy and sometimes I dress disrespectfully to the public.
Actually, I can afford to drive a nice car, have bodyguards, assistants, but I don't do that. I just want to be a normal person like everyone else.
If I appear in a fancy suit, drive a car, and have my hair combed, I will definitely create a distance with the poor. I am simple, so I can blend into the world of difficult circumstances. They can hug me comfortably without fear of getting mud on a nice outfit.
Understanding and sharing with the poor is not easy.
When doing charity work, do you have any principles to avoid being scrutinized?
I do what I see and do it from the heart. If I painted myself, did it for myself, I would be afraid of what others said. But I am doing it for difficult circumstances so what others say is not important.
As you get older, your health is not as good as when you were young. What are your plans for your upcoming journey?
Just keep going, when my health is weak, I will stop to rest and continue. That is always in my thoughts and beliefs.
If I quit hosting shows, someone will definitely replace me. I'm not so good that no one can replace me! I just wonder if the other hosts are good or not, and if the poor will be helped or not.
Finding a good MC is easy, but finding someone who understands the poor and is willing to work with them is difficult.
Your children have recently appeared on charity trips with their father. Do you plan for them to follow in their father's footsteps on this journey?
My point of view is not to force anyone to do anything. If they are passionate, they will do it. Whatever my child likes and wants to do, I will support him and not force him.
Volunteering is simple, but also difficult. I just try to let my children watch many of my programs and go on many trips so they can feel it.
Thank you!
In addition to his work as an actor, Quyen Linh is also very successful as an MC, taking on dozens of game shows and various television programs. He is also one of the pioneer artists in the charity movement, helping many unfortunate lives.
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