Photographer Ly Vo Phu Hung recently shared a photoshoot of People's Artist Thu Ha from 22 years ago, a time when he was establishing his reputation. He recalled admiring Thu Ha's talent and beauty, alongside other stars like Diem My and Viet Trinh. He was eager to photograph the actress for a newspaper cover.

Together with journalist Le Quang Thanh Tam and makeup artist Kha Tuan, Ly Vo Phu Hung developed a concept for the photoshoot that embraced a modern Western style. This approach was a bold departure from the actress's usual gentle and ethereal image.

"I was quite nervous before the shoot, wondering if our new angles would satisfy Thu Ha and the team," Ly Vo Phu Hung remembered.

The photoshoot extended from morning to evening, incorporating various makeup and hair styles. The photographer captured Thu Ha from multiple angles, ranging from close-ups detailing her facial features to mid-range and full-body shots, showcasing her versatile expressions.

"Looking back at the photos from 2004, I still cherish it as a wonderful professional memory with the team," Ly Vo Phu Hung remarked.

Born Dong Thu Ha in 1969 in Tuyen Quang, Thu Ha launched her career with the Military Region 2 Cultural Troupe. Her cinematic debut came in 1987 with "Hoang Hoa Tham - Thu linh ao nau", directed by People's Artist Tran Phuong. Her fresh and graceful demeanor quickly captivated audiences.

Thu Ha's fame surged with her role in director Hai Ninh's "Dem hoi Long Tri". Her portrayal of Nga in "Jade Branch, Golden Leaf" marked a significant turning point, earning her the "best actress" award at the 1990 Vietnam Film Festival. From then on, the affectionate nickname "jade branch, golden leaf" became synonymous with her in the minds of many generations of fans.

The actress later moved south to TP HCM, continuing to leave her mark in popular works like: "Anh chi co minh em", "Hoa quynh no muon", "Toc gio thoi bay", and "La sau rieng". Throughout the 1990s, Thu Ha's image was ubiquitous across screens, calendars, and magazines. She recalled a period of constant photoshoots, responding to invitations from photographers and the press.

Thu Ha was honored with the title of Meritorious Artist in 2016, followed by People's Artist in 2020.

Currently, People's Artist Thu Ha works at the Hanoi Drama Theater and occasionally appears in television series such as "Huong duong nguoc nang" and "Tram cuu ho trai tim". At 57, she consistently garners praise for her youthful appearance and elegant presence whenever she appears in public.

Hoang Dung

Photos: Ly Vo Phu Hung