Actor Thanh Dien regrets not being able to hold his late wife's hand - artist Thanh Kim Hue - to receive the title of People's Artist.
At the People's Artist title award ceremony on March 6 in Hanoi, actor Thanh Dien stepped onto the stage twice, the first time for himself and the second time to receive the honor on behalf of his wife. Cai luong artist Thanh Kim Hue was posthumously awarded the title for her enduring contributions to the Cai luong stage. On this occasion, Thanh Dien talked about his feelings when the State recognized his and his wife's career.
- How did you feel when you went on stage to receive the title of People's Artist (NSND) on behalf of your wife?
- That day, I wore the shirt my wife had given me, waiting for the moment of being honored. I felt happy and had an indescribable feeling of elation. For more than 60 years of working, I simply thought of pursuing the work I loved, never expecting any awards or honors. However, for someone working in the field of culture and art, receiving the title of People's Artist is an honor. That proves that an artist's career is complete and recognized by the audience.
Behind the joy, my mind always contained a sadness. When I looked at the posthumous title given to Thanh Kim Hue, I choked up and wished that my wife was still alive to hold her hand to receive this joy. My wife could not wait until the moment she expected. My feeling of regret was only somewhat relieved when I heard the resounding applause of everyone in the audience that day for Thanh Kim Hue. I think that even though my wife is no longer here, there are still many audiences who miss her.
Right after the award ceremony, I booked a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, brought the title to my wife's grave, and congratulated her.
Thanh Dien brings the title of People's Artist to Thanh Kim Hue's grave. Video: Character provided
- Looking back on your career, what do you feel?
- I don't dare to brag about myself, what I have today is thanks to the audience. I am proud to do my job purely, without any profit and do nothing that would cause my name to have a "stain" in my career.
I have appeared on stage, drama and screen, playing hundreds of characters or participating in many projects. I always put all my effort into making my role and voice contribute to each work. I am also proud of having successfully transformed into President Ho Chi Minh twice in the plays White Night and Old Marks.
Artist Thanh Dien and his wife Thanh Kim Hue received the title of People's Artist for their tireless contributions to the reformed theater for more than 60 years. Photo: Provided by the character
Wherever I appear, I receive the unwavering love of many people. For over 60 years, I have been performing non-stop because there are still people who want to see me sing and act. Before, when Thanh Kim Hue was by my side, the audience always held hands and hugged my husband and I to show their affection.
Later, my wife was no longer by my side, I always felt empty and absent every time I stood on stage. They encouraged me not to be sad, time would heal the wounds. I felt the greatest reward in my life was always receiving the love of fans.
- How do you take care of your health to be able to stand on stage?
- I am in good health thanks to many years of sports such as swimming and badminton. I practice breathing and walking for more than an hour every day. I eat healthily, not too much greasy food, even though I am old, I try to keep my body toned. Sometimes, people tell me they are surprised that Thanh Dien's face and body are no different from 10 years ago. In addition, my love of the stage is a motivation, giving me abundant energy.
I still accept shows but limit roles with lots of action scenes because of my age. With a stable income from performing, I can take care of myself without having to rely on anyone.
Artist Thanh Dien with Thanh Kim Hue when she was alive. Photo: Provided by the character
- What else do you expect in life?
- My current life is simple and peaceful with my grandchildren. At this age, I have enough fame and money, so all I need is good health. I promised my wife that I would replace her on stage until I stop breathing. Every morning when I wake up, I exercise and listen to Thanh Kim Hue's songs to fill the void of missing her. Every time I sit at the dinner table, I remember the dishes my wife liked. She passed away nearly three years ago, but I still feel like my wife is still by my side. I always have mementos, photos and songs about her around me.
Thanh Kim Hue - Thi Hen role and Thanh Dien - district mandarin role in the excerpt of the classic play "Ngao, So, Oc, Hen" (1980s). Video: YouTube Vietnamese Reformed Opera
Artist Thanh Dien's real name is Nguyen Ngoc Chieu, 77 years old, from Hau Giang. At the age of 12, he entered the acting profession, learning from many famous artists at that time such as Minh Chi, Huu Phuoc, Hung Minh, Diep Lang. He gradually became famous when playing unique and romantic roles in many large troupes such as Huong Mua Thu, Hoa The He, Sao Ngan Phuong, Kim Chung... His memorable plays are Nhat Kiem Ba Vuong (as Tong Tu Ly), Chieu Thu Sau Ly Biet (as Hac Van), Kiep nao co yeu nhau (as Thanh Cat Genghis Khan).
Artist Thanh Kim Hue passed away in 2021 due to cancer. Her real name was Bui Thi Hue, born in Ho Chi Minh City. At the age of 14, she was chosen to play the role of Lan in the recording of Lan and Diep by composer Loan Thao and became a beloved singer. In addition to traditional opera, she was also admired by audiences for her new traditional operas such as Cho Moi (author: Trong Nguyen), Ruoc Tinh Ve Que Huong (modern music: Hoang Thi Tho, traditional music: Loan Thao), and The Wedding on the Country Road (music: Hoang Thi Tho, lyrics: Yen Lang).
The artist couple married in 1975 and used to run the Saigon 1 Theater Group.
Hoang Dung
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