In my family, I often cause trouble.

People's Artist Thanh Hoa has been involved in artistic activities since the age of 16. With nearly 60 years of dedication, she has made her own mark in her career. At the age of 73, she is still full of enthusiasm and love for her profession, with the desire to pass on to the next generation an understanding of the true value of the word "artist".

Strive to be worthy of the title of Artist

- When you had two small children, the youngest was only 6 months old, what prompted you to volunteer for the battlefield?

With the desire to do something for the country, I volunteered to go to the battlefield not only because of my responsibility as a Vietnamese citizen but also because of my loyalty and love for my comrades. At that time, I was the main soloist of the Liberation Radio Station.

I understand, my comrades need me, my soldiers need my voice. When the collective needs me, I cannot shirk my responsibility for the greater good, the common good for personal reasons.

- The years of serving on the battlefield must be unforgettable, madam?

In the battlefield, we sang without a program but according to the requests of the soldiers in each unit. If there were units with many soldiers from Ha Tinh , I would sing "Gian ma thuong" , if there were units with many soldiers from the North, I would sing "quan ho" or folk songs that they requested.

In addition, we also sang songs like: Pa Ko Girl, Light Up My Fire, Green Forest Echoes with Ta Lu Sound, Girl Sharpening Spikes... to encourage the soldiers' spirit.

Only when we go to the battlefield can we truly see the cruelty of war. How pitiful! The soldiers had their arms and legs covered with wounds, blood still oozing out, but they still suppressed their physical pain to listen to us sing. Or when we went to the field hospitals, there were soldiers who held my hand while I sang, but as soon as the song ended, they were gone forever...

But what is more cruel than death is that people cannot live a normal life. There was a unit I was in that had only 3 soldiers, and for decades they had not seen women… At times like that, I felt my march was more meaningful. I was proud to have contributed a part to the great war of national defense.

Only when war is so fierce do we understand how precious peace is. However, today, there are still some who do not understand the great sacrifices of the previous generation, living selfishly, especially the young. Culture is not only poetry, music and painting, but also personality. It seems that we are taking this lightly.

- It seems like you are having some concerns about the current generation of young artists?

I see that many artists today are not responsible for themselves and society. Some people have a very strange concept, singing a song and thinking they are geniuses, outstanding. When they are applauded and praised, they mistakenly think that they are already shining, in a position higher than everyone else. That is why they always create for themselves a flashy appearance, a different lifestyle, and a different way of thinking.

Artists must understand that when they step on stage, they are doing a normal job like everyone else. Singing is a profession, artists are workers. What do we call service, what do we call dedication? Singing to earn hundreds of millions, get rich, have cars and houses, is that considered dedication?

- What made them like that, ma'am?

What is an artist, what is culture in society? Living in a disciplined society, with the rule of law, many people lack knowledge of the law. Now, ask artists, how many of them know the law? What is their responsibility in society, who can answer correctly? Or do they just think that after singing and receiving applause, they are artists?

I myself am not a glamorous, sparkling artist like the artists on stage. I am a cultural warrior. I always hope that the next generation of colleagues will understand the true value of the word “artist”.

- And that's why at this age you are still enthusiastic about your work?

At 73, I am still enthusiastic and passionate about passing on my knowledge to the next generation. I want to gather performing artists, especially young people, toeducate them about professional awareness.

People's Artist Thanh Hoa and her husband.

The secret of happiness of the artist

- Besides your successful career, the audience admires your happy marriage with circus artist Ton That Loi. How did you two meet?

We met funny, just because of a 200 dong piece of pineapple. We went to a show together, he saw that I liked to eat pineapple, every day. Then one day, I went to buy it and the salesgirl said he had already paid. After that time, we became closer and talked more.

He said he liked me because I was charming and spoke well. I was attracted by his handsomeness. But more than that, I probably fell in love with him because of his talent. In our profession, we have a certain respect for each other.

- After nearly 40 years together, what makes People's Artist Thanh Hoa and her husband still maintain their passion and happiness?

This is probably something you should ask my husband, why he still pampers me all these years. As for me, I don't have any secret with my husband and children. I am very honest, I can't hide anything. My husband doesn't know why at this age he is still infatuated with me, taking care of me every day.

I am mean, sometimes I exaggerate, my children also suffer, but I do it for everyone. My family understands that. I never think of myself as a great artist when I come home, but always fulfill my responsibilities as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

My husband is from Hue, very gentle, always loving me. Until now, I still call him “em” even though he is 6 years younger than me. He is more confident when calling himself “minh” and rarely calls me “em”.

In my family, I often cause trouble and yell. But I am very forgetful. Suddenly something happens and I forget that I am arguing with my husband. One time, we were arguing and the power suddenly went out. I was afraid of the dark so I called my husband: "Honey, go get me a candle or something!" After that, I was no longer angry. (laughs)

- Thank you, People's Artist Thanh Hoa!

Le Chi

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