After a seven-year hiatus from acting, Thanh Thuy, a familiar face to Vietnamese audiences, is making a comeback in *Trum So*, a film she produced with her husband, Duc Thinh, directing. The actress expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "After many years, I finally have a film project that I produced myself, with my husband directing, so I feel energetic and excited."

In *Trum So*, Thanh Thuy takes on the minor role of Bao Ngu, the wife of Quan Chach. She finds a personal connection with the character, noting, "I like this character because I empathize with the image of women in families." Her return to acting follows a period where she primarily focused on raising her child and serving as executive producer for her company's projects.

Reflecting on her time away from the spotlight, Thanh Thuy expressed no regrets. "I still love acting but haven't received any roles that felt fresh compared to my previous ones," she explained. As an executive producer, she found joy in supporting other actors. "Working quietly behind the scenes to help actors in the film shine, and seeing them loved, also brings me joy. Many worry that 7 years is too long for an artist to maintain appeal. I simply believe in focusing on doing my job well and creating quality artistic products."

Thanh Thuy and Duc Thinh at an entertainment event last year. *Photo: Supplied*

Working alongside her husband, Duc Thinh, involves a clear division of labor for Thanh Thuy. "I give Thinh space to develop ideas and create," she said. Her responsibilities include handling external relations, company adjustments, planning, budgeting, and developing the film's communication strategy. She emphasizes collaboration, stating, "Before making any decision, I consult him. It's crucial to understand what my husband wants in our projects and help him achieve it. Only then do I discuss business perspectives and find the best solutions for both of us."

Thanh Thuy believes her approach to their working relationship extends to her personal life. "I have changed a lot working with my partner. I think that as a wife in the family, I need to be deferential, but as his partner in the company, I must obey him when necessary. Success or failure is just a part of life, not as important as the family we have."

The couple's 18 years together have been marked by significant milestones and challenges. In 2014, when they established their film production company, both faced a crisis. "He is purely an artist, driven by emotion. I am both an artist and an entrepreneur, so our mindsets sometimes differ," Thanh Thuy recalled. "I had to skillfully reconcile our ways of thinking. Our mutual trust and respect have helped us navigate the company's successful development since then."

Another difficult period arose when their second son, Tet, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). "When he was 5, he could only babble a few sounds, requiring close monitoring from us," she shared. "There was a period when I put all work aside to care for him. That was a very difficult time for the whole family." Thanh Thuy recounted sleepless nights spent comforting Tet, which often led to irritability, affecting the family atmosphere. "Seeing our son not developing like other children, my husband constantly encouraged and comforted me emotionally. Currently, his condition has improved significantly."

Overcoming these difficulties together prompted a shift in their perspective. "We both realized the need to live slower, without rushing, and to cherish what we have," Thanh Thuy stated. "We both feel fortunate to have each other in this life."

A shared joy in their children's development forms the most important connection between Thanh Thuy and Duc Thinh. Despite his busy schedule with film projects, Duc Thinh remains deeply involved in their family life. "He worries when the children are sick or fall and bleed," Thanh Thuy observed. "My husband calmly faces all life's problems, but he often gets flustered when he sees loved ones in trouble."

Their parenting styles differ, with Duc Thinh being the more lenient parent. "I don't spoil our children as Thinh does," Thanh Thuy explained. "When teaching the two boys, he is gentle and mild. In the house, the three of them always side together." Their first son, Ca Phe, 18, shows a talent for acting, but his parents are letting him choose his future path independently. While not newlyweds, the couple maintains their bond through sincere concern and care, often exchanging simple text messages during work hours to check in.

Thanh Thuy and Duc Thinh's family traveled to China in February. *Photo: Supplied*

Regarding her work-life balance, Thanh Thuy prioritizes self-care and understanding her own values. "First, I know how to care for and cherish myself, and to understand what values are important," she affirmed. "When I feel healthy and beautiful, I have more energy to build our home with my husband." She believes love transcends words, involving shared hardships and steadfast commitment. "If we love something, we will know how to keep it long-term."

Currently, Thanh Thuy focuses on appreciating each moment, valuing this above fame and money. "Life is the most precious gift from God, so I don't want to squander it," she concluded.

Trailer for the film "Trum So". *Video: Galaxy Studio*

Thanh Thuy is known for films such as *Blouse Trang*, *Mua Sen*, *Vong Xoay Tinh Yeu*, and *Niem Dau Chon Giau*. She married Duc Thinh in 2008. In 2014, they opened a film production company, producing works like *Ma Dai*, *Anh Thay Ngoi Sao*, and *Trang Quynh*, with Duc Thinh directing and Thanh Thuy serving as producer. Over the past 7 years, Thanh Thuy has also managed an art training center for children and developed personal brands for adults.

Hoang Dung