In late July, Tu Dua (now known as Mars Anh Tu) visited Tuan Hung at his home following the singer's minor surgery to remove a neck lump. In a video posted on social media, Tu Dua showed Tuan Hung in good spirits, communicating with his close friend by writing on paper due to post-operative vocal rest.

Last year, Tuan Hung and his family relocated from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to further his music career, while Tu Dua frequently travels between the two cities. The songwriter now manages two entertainment companies in Ho Chi Minh City, while Tuan Hung performs and co-owns a vegetarian restaurant with his wife. Despite their busy schedules, the two friends stay in touch through social media, occasionally meeting for meals or games of pickleball. According to Tu Dua, even without frequent face-to-face contact, they are always there for each other when needed.

Tu Dua and Tuan Hung were both members of the band Qua Dua Hau, starting in 1998. Initially, Tu Dua was closer to Bang Kieu, but as Bang Kieu moved abroad, Tu Dua and Tuan Hung spent more time together, solidifying their bond.

Over nearly 30 years of friendship, they have shared many personal and professional experiences. Tu Dua has played a significant role in Tuan Hung's success, composing several of his hit songs, including "Se Khong Con Nua," "Anh Nho Em," and "Nam Lay Tay Anh." When Tuan Hung participated in the TV show "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai," Tu Dua offered to compose music for him but couldn't due to the show's format. In March, Tuan Hung paid tribute to Tu Dua by performing "Nam Lay Tay Anh" at the "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai" concert.

During a challenging period in Tuan Hung's marriage, Tu Dua offered support and advice based on his own experiences. "There's a lot I can learn from this friend. His past experiences have become valuable lessons for me," Tuan Hung once said.

When Tuan Hung's live show was cancelled just hours before it was scheduled to begin, Tu Dua wrote the song "Tinh Ban" (Friendship), released in 10/2018, to lift his spirits. The song has a gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics: "Though we made no vows, we're always there for each other. So that sorrows fade away quickly."

For Tu Dua, the foundation of their almost three-decade friendship is sincerity. He believes a lasting friendship requires mutual effort and nurturing. In 2016, Tuan Hung gifted Tu Dua a car worth 700 million VND as a thank you for his contributions to his singing career.

Tu Dua initially perceived Tuan Hung as hot-headed and straightforward, readily expressing his displeasure. He saw his friend as kind but easily offended. In 2010, when Tu Dua moved to Ho Chi Minh City to pursue his career, he discovered his songwriting talent after completing "Se Khong Con Nua." Tuan Hung encouraged him to become a singer-songwriter, but Tu Dua refused, leading to a three-month rift. They reconciled after Tuan Hung reached out while Tu Dua was on tour in the US.

Tu Dua describes himself as more reserved but also stubborn, admitting that Tuan Hung "has had to put up with a lot." Despite their occasional disagreements, mostly work-related, they share many common interests.

The two artists at Tu Dua's company's year-end party in January. Photo: Provided by the artist.

Now in middle age, both Tuan Hung and Tu Dua have matured and learned to let go. They prioritize their health, families, and share a deep appreciation for the importance of family. Unlike in their younger days, Tu Dua now focuses on sharing and caring for others. He has been a strong supporter of his daughters, Linh Nhi and Ngan Ha (LEXXY), as they embarked on their own singing careers, something that Tuan Hung has been happy to witness.

Over the years, the two artists have frequently collaborated on each other's projects. At Tuan Hung's 2018 live show, he introduced Tu Dua as someone indispensable in his life. When Tu Dua held his mini-concert, marking his return to singing under his new stage name, Tuan Hung was there early in the audience, attentively watching the performance.

They are currently working on new musical projects together after a long hiatus, including plans for a Qua Dua Hau reunion. Tu Dua has also invited Tuan Hung to perform at his show on 18/10 in Hanoi.

Tuan Hung, 47, is known for his deep, husky voice. Besides singing, he has acted in films like "Cho Mot Tinh Yeu" (2010) and "Nhung Nu Hon Ruc Ro" (2010). Most recently, he played a supporting role in "Dao, Pho Va Piano." Last year, he gained attention for his participation in the show "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai." He married Huong Baby in 2014 and has three children: Su Hao, 11, Son, 8, and Sam, 6.

Tu Dua, 46, is a successful songwriter and producer, known for songs like "Nam Lay Tay Anh," "Giu Lai Hanh Phuc" (performed by Thu Phuong), and "Duyen Minh Lo" (performed by Huong Tram). In 12/2022, he returned to singing under the stage name Mars Anh Tu, releasing the album "The Ballad" featuring six songs.

Phuong Linh