After several years without releasing new music, Le Quyen’s music video, "Gia Nhu Anh La Em" (If Only You Were Me), launched on 8/8, garnered millions of views within three days. She revealed that Lam Bao Chau served as executive producer, assistant director, and contributed to the script's development.
Lam Bao Chau initially suggested filming the song, believing it would resonate more with audiences than an audio-only version. When Le Quyen hesitated due to a tight schedule, he assured her he would manage the team, develop ideas, and organize production.
Initially, Lam Bao Chau planned a dramatic, narrative-driven music video with outdoor scenes. However, after discussions, the team opted to film in a studio, allowing Le Quyen to convey emotions through expressive storytelling, highlighted by choreography performed by dancesport champions Khanh Thi and Phan Hien. He created a minimalist setting with water, artificial rain, mirrors, and moonlight to depict a woman's inner turmoil after heartbreak.
On set, Lam Bao Chau provided feedback, refining Le Quyen's every movement and expression before the camera. Having worked together for six years, he understands her singing style and her spontaneous eye blinks and body language on stage. For the music video, he wanted Le Quyen to temper her actions, to be "less theatrical" for more natural emotions.
During the five days of filming, Le Quyen sometimes had her feet submerged in water for nearly 20 hours, leading to a cold. Lam Bao Chau managed his professional duties while closely attending to her needs. "I was touched by Chau's care. Compared to the workload of my boyfriend and the team, my task was lighter. I am grateful for Chau's dedication, not just in this project but throughout our journey together," she shared.
According to the singer, her work has been busy for many years, often involving extended tours both domestically and internationally. Lam Bao Chau proactively arranges his personal work to accompany her. He frequently carries his laptop to handle financial investment tasks or edit vlogs during his free time.
Le Quyen feels her boyfriend has a great passion for stage, cinema, and fashion. He also enjoys photography, filming, and video editing. When they watch movies at home, Lam Bao Chau often analyzes camera angles and post-production techniques for her. "Because he worries about me so much, Chau sometimes puts aside personal projects or declines collaboration offers," she noted. Through this music video, Le Quyen believes her boyfriend should dedicate more time to pursuing a directing career.
The singer also appreciates Lam Bao Chau's calm and patient nature. She admits to being quick-tempered, sometimes too blunt, which can make others uncomfortable. In such moments, her boyfriend typically slows down, waits for her to calm, then discusses rather than reacting immediately. "In love, I believe men should yield to women in such situations, not compete to see who is right or wrong. With Chau, I sense maturity in both his thoughts and actions," she stated.
Le Quyen, 45, from Hanoi, is the youngest child in an artistic family, with both parents being cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) artists. She began her career in the late 1990s, developing her craft through tea room performances in Hanoi before moving to TP HCM to establish her career. In 2004, she released the album "Giac Mo Co That" (A Real Dream), featuring many hit songs like "Hay Tra Loi Em" (Please Answer Me) by Tuan Nghia and "Thoi Dung Chiem Bao" (Stop Dreaming) by Tuong Van. From 2010, Le Quyen pursued traditional music, finding success with her "Khuc Tinh Xua" (Old Love Songs) album series. In 2019 and 2021, she organized large-scale live shows for thousands of fans, including "Q Show 2" and "Le Quyen ft Nguoi Tinh".
Lam Bao Chau is 12 years younger than Le Quyen. After graduating from Phuong Dong University, he pursued a career as a fashion model, MC, and actor. In March, they celebrated six years together, attributing their growing bond to mutual understanding and a shared pursuit of a peaceful life.
Tan Cao
Photos, video: Provided by subject
