The artist spoke about her work and life as she takes on the role of My Anh in the series Wind Across the Blue Sky, which premiered on 11/8.

Phuong Oanh in the trailer for the new film by director Le Do Ngoc Linh. Video: VFC

- How do you manage your time while working on the series?

- For the past two months, I've been getting used to a busy life. I leave home at 7 a.m. before the twins wake up. Many days, by the time I get home from work, they are already asleep. I can sense they are a little resentful and don't cling to me like they used to. My husband and I previously agreed that weekends would be family time, but now I no longer have days off. Sometimes, I blame myself and wonder, "Am I being too greedy, wanting both a career and family time?"

My husband's encouragement, support, and motivation mean a lot to me. These past few days, he has been putting in a lot of effort taking care of the children. On set, I was touched when I checked the home camera and saw him comforting the little ones. It's an invaluable source of emotional strength.

My husband is a work-oriented person, often on his phone managing and handling various matters. I told him, "When you play with the kids, please try to put your smartphone down and focus on spending quality time with them." Once, I laughed when I saw him holding a baby in one arm and secretly reading messages with the other. I think men, no matter their age, have a childlike and naive side when they become fathers. He often asks me why this or that has to be a certain way. On the other hand, he's quite good at childcare, knows how to prepare formula, feed them, and put them to sleep. The twins are closer to their dad than to me; they like to show off and perform many skills for him.

Actress Phuong Oanh with her husband - Shark Binh (businessman Nguyen Hoa Binh) and their twins Jimmi and Jenny. Photo: Provided by the subject

Actress Phuong Oanh with her husband - Shark Binh (businessman Nguyen Hoa Binh) and their twins Jimmi and Jenny. Photo: Provided by the subject

- Working in a different field, how does your husband share in your acting work?

- My husband often replays my films during dinner. He likes the roles of Phuong Nam (Flavors of Love) and Quynh Bup Be the most. This time, he is excited and eager for my comeback. I participated in the previous films before we met and got married. So this is the first time he has witnessed the process of me receiving a script, filming, and airing. On the morning of the series' press conference, he asked me, "Can I go with you?" I said, "Everyone will be focused on discussing the film. You should stay home."

The series has many scenes that are quite relatable to life. In the evenings, when I sit and learn my lines, he listens and observes. When I read situations similar to our own, I often take pictures and send them to him. He says, "I think if it were you, you would handle it differently." Because of this comparison, we often have discussions, and it's quite enjoyable. He is also very happy whenever I come home not yet out of character, because the character is gentler and more feminine than Phuong Oanh in real life (laughs).

He also told me, "You have to be authentic in emotional scenes," but a moment later, he turned and asked, "Are there any intimate scenes?" I replied, "No, it's a family film, there aren't any." So he is supportive but still mindful of this matter.

- After two years of marriage, what do you think keeps you and your husband connected?

- You could say he's a fan of mine, and vice versa, I also idolize my husband. Therefore, we always find something new in each other. I enjoy watching him during presentations and when he goes to work at the company. At those times, he is mature and decisive, quite different from the close and humorous image he projects at home. At home, he's playful, a bit childish, and carefree. I think these contrasting sides create an interesting dynamic in our married life.

I believe life is like a movie, and the role we "play" is up to us. I'm fortunate that, so far, I've always played positive characters, so even when I'm "acting," I'm always a good person. I often tease my husband, "You married one Phuong Oanh, but you actually got several." Today, I might have a touch of Phuong Nam's personality (Flavors of Love), tomorrow I might be a bit like Uyen (The Girl From Someone Else's Family).

The actress at the press conference for the film "Wind Across the Blue Sky" on the morning of 31/7 in Hanoi. Photo: Provided by the subject

The actress at the press conference for the film "Wind Across the Blue Sky" on the morning of 31/7 in Hanoi. Photo: Provided by the subject

- At 36, having experienced being a wife and a mother, how have you changed?

- Before marriage, I was like the character Phuong Nam, somewhat impulsive, free-spirited, and generous. That impulsiveness led to many unexpected turns. I feel that the Phuong Oanh of today is very different from before, slower and calmer. I haven't completely changed, but I'm aiming for a better, more mature, and deeper version of myself. Faced with praise and criticism, I pause and regulate my emotions to accept them. With enough life experience, I realize that the most precious thing is peace.

- What challenges did you face returning to acting after four years?

- Compared to my previous roles, My Anh's character is not battered by life's storms, but she faces invisible psychological pressures. My challenge is to portray her in a relatable way that touches the audience's hearts. Additionally, I have to separate myself on-screen from off-screen. My Anh's appearance and many personality traits resemble mine. She's a mother and wife who strives for perfection, is meticulous, takes on many things, and wants to handle everything herself. Sometimes, I get confused and inject too much of my own "self" into the role.

I sobbed in several scenes, including the one where My Anh is heartbroken to learn that her son is being bullied and ostracized at school. That situation made my heart ache as a mother. While filming, my mood was incredibly heavy. I asked myself, "If my child were to actually be in that situation, what would I do?"

My Anh is also the image I aspire to. She always remains calm when facing any situation or incident. That's something I'm currently practicing and learning.

Phuong Oanh, born in 1989 in Ha Nam, was a model before becoming an actress. She is known for television series such as Flying Flowers, Whispers from the Past, Sassy Girl, Against the Flow of Tears, and Silent Under the Abyss.

She and businessman Nguyen Hoa Binh (commonly known as Shark Binh) publicly announced their relationship in August 2022 and registered their marriage in June 2023. Since then, she has devoted her time to caring for her family and her twin children. The most recent film she participated in was Flavors of Love (2021).

Ha Thu