Many audiences remember Mong Tuyen as one of the "four great beauties" of Saigon's cinema and stage, alongside actresses Tham Thuy Hang, Thanh Nga, and Kieu Chinh. In the 1960s and 1970s, Mong Tuyen appeared in films by directors Le Hoang Hoa and Le Mong Hoang. With her captivating beauty and sweet, lyrical traditional opera voice, she became a sought-after figure by many directors and cai luong (traditional Vietnamese opera) show organizers.

Artist Mong Tuyen in her youth. Photo: Provided by character

After more than 20 years away from major stages, Mong Tuyen now leads a simple life in a six-story townhouse in TP HCM, without a family, husband, or children. She explains that all her relatives have settled in France, but she chose to remain in the place that holds many beautiful memories of her youth.

At nearly 80, Mong Tuyen remains active, preferring to keep busy with recording sessions and performing at social clubs and charity events. In early November, she accepted an invitation to record and film a music video for a studio in TP HCM. This work helps her cherish memories of her past as a renowned cai luong artist, performing in tea rooms and theaters, and recording many bolero and tan co giao duyen (a fusion of modern and traditional music) songs like "Mua rung", "Dem dong", and "Lan va Diep".

"At this age, I do a lot not for money, but because the work brings me joy and allows me to feel closer to the audience," Mong Tuyen said.

Within the house, which she rents out as a hotel, she reserves one floor, approximately 30 square meters, for her personal living space. She finds contentment in her stable income, choosing a simple, independent lifestyle, and wishing not to trouble anyone. After three failed relationships, the artist states she no longer yearns for a companion to share life's joys and sorrows.

For many years, Mong Tuyen has not felt lonely, often traveling with friends, socializing, and occasionally reminiscing about her golden past. "I live alone but I am not sad. Fortunately, my friends and neighbors understand my circumstances. They often offer warm smiles and kind words that comfort me," the artist shared.

She credits her good health to regular exercise and a scientific diet. Each morning, she wakes up to do exercises that stretch her bones and joints. The artist consumes one main meal and two snacks, avoiding foods high in starch or oil.

Her views on money and fame are straightforward. She states that her monthly income from house rentals, totaling 30 million VND, combined with savings interest, allows her to live comfortably and engage in charity work. The artist often visits the market near her home to check in with small vendors, lottery ticket sellers, and street hawkers, offering help to those in need. She maintains a carefree lifestyle, free from worries, and constantly reminds herself of ethics and how to treat others. "I am proud that, both in my career and in life, no one has ever blamed or resented me. If you open your heart to love, you will live well," Mong Tuyen said.

Artist Mong Tuyen leads a simple life, often chatting with ordinary workers at the market and on the streets. Photo: Provided by character

She states that she does not prepare for old age or wish for anything specific in life, simply striving to live healthily day by day. The artist only hopes that when her strength wanes, she will pass away peacefully in her sleep, free from illness and pain.

Behind the scenes of artist Mong Tuyen's video shoot. Photo: Provided by character

Mong Tuyen, whose real name is Huynh Thi Kim Loan, was born in 1947 in Can Tho to a family with no artistic background. Due to poverty, at 14 years old, she joined traditional music troupes and was mentored by master musician Ba Cu. In 1961, she joined danh ca Bay Cao's Hoa Sen troupe, gaining attention for her role as Huyen in the cai luong play "Nha cho mot dem mua". In 1962, she joined the Phuong Nam troupe and achieved success with her roles as Xuan Hoa in "Dong ve lang xac hoa" and Phuong Loan in "Nua kiep oan thu".

In 1963, Mong Tuyen was invited by impresario Ba Tho to join Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga. At that time, leading actress Kim Loan gained widespread acclaim for her role as Mong Tuyen in the play "Mua xuan con mai" and adopted this character's name as her stage name. Subsequently, her role as Thu Lan in "Phu tu tong tu" earned her the Thanh Tam gold award.

Hoang Dung