Bao Linh and her husband, Duc Trieu, attended the launch of artist Xuan Hinh's memoir, *A Rustic Joker*, in Hanoi on the evening of 26/7. She said she was surprised to see her father doing many new things recently, including his first film role and publishing a book about his life.
Bao Linh had heard most of the stories in the memoir since childhood. However, through the book, she gained a deeper understanding of why her father recorded his birth year as 1966 in official documents – to meet the age requirement for studying at the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema. She particularly enjoyed the book's appendix, which showcases gifts he received from fans, such as paintings and photographs.
Bao Linh admits to sharing many personality traits with her father, while her younger brother takes after their mother. Due to her strong personality, she and Xuan Hinh often have lively debates. She describes her father as strict but also easygoing, offering helpful advice based on his life experiences. One key lesson she learned from him is practicality. Even when financially comfortable, he taught his children to budget carefully and avoid extravagance.
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Artist Xuan Hinh with his daughter and son-in-law at the event. Photo: Phuong Linh |
In June, Bao Linh and Duc Trieu welcomed their first daughter after three years of marriage. According to Xuan Hinh's daughter, he and other family members have changed significantly since the baby's arrival, becoming more openly affectionate. Despite his busy schedule, he always sets aside time each day to be with his granddaughter, often capturing photos of her to share with friends.
In addition to their individual work, Bao Linh and her husband run a TikTok channel focused on fashion and daily life. Duc Trieu attracted attention for wearing skirts and high heels in some videos and at events. Bao Linh acknowledges that their fashion style isn't mainstream, but they have their family's full support. "Xuan Hinh always tells us that whatever we do, we need to be different, to have our own mark. He respects what we pursue," she said.
As a content creator, Bao Linh doesn't mind being recognized primarily as Xuan Hinh's daughter, considering it a privilege. She appreciates that her father's name has helped her in the early stages of her career, but she believes her future development depends on her own abilities.
Xuan Hinh has had a nearly 50-year career in the arts, his name synonymous with traditional *cheo* opera, *quan ho* folk songs, *xam* singing, and *chau van* spiritual music. He is best known for works such as *Thi Mau Goes to the Pagoda*, *The Fortune Teller Goes to the Market*, *The Horse-Man, Man-Horse*. In 2017, he took early retirement from the Hanoi Cheo Theater to spend more time with his family.
Now in his sixties, he remains active in the arts. In March, he garnered attention for singing and rapping in the song *Bac Bling*, collaborating with singer Hoa Minzy and composer Tuan Cry. *A Rustic Joker*, released on 23/7, was written by Thanh Thuy and Nhu Hoa based on Xuan Hinh's recounting of his life and artistic career.
Phuong Linh