Actor Bùi Như Lai, in response to criticism of his pairing with Lương Thu Trang in the VTV drama My Father, the One Who Stayed, has addressed public feedback regarding their age and appearance difference.
In recent episodes of the drama, Ông Chính (played by Bùi Như Lai) and architect Tuệ Minh (played by Lương Thu Trang) developed a relationship based on mutual understanding and empathy. However, viewers commented on the disparity in their ages and appearances, likening them to an “unequal pair.”
“Please have Mr. Chính shave his beard and cut his hair,” and “Lương Thu Trang looks like Bùi Như Lai’s daughter,” are just some of the comments expressing concern about their physical attributes.
On her personal page, Lương Thu Trang posted a humorous message alongside a photo with Bùi Như Lai, saying, “I demand all your statements to be serious now, or I will make you shave your beard, Mr. Chính.” This interaction entertained viewers.
In a conversation with Dân trí reporters, Bùi Như Lai mentioned that he received a lot of feedback on his physical appearance during the filming of the drama. He expressed his happiness regarding the attention the character was receiving.
“Viewers criticized my character for appearing dirty and ugly due to his beard and long hair (laughs), but that was part of the character’s design. He will keep this appearance throughout the rest of the drama. Personally, I feel okay, so I’m not bothered,” he said.
Bùi Như Lai further clarified that the character, Ông Chính, mirrors his own age and appearance. Director Vũ Trường Khoa also emphasized that no significant change to his physical characteristics was required.
“Most of the costumes in the drama are mine. I also had a friend from the production team purchase some clothes to make the character more lively and relatable to the audience,” he explained.
He concluded that every role presents certain challenges, but they aren’t insurmountable. His experiences in acting school prepared him for navigating diverse and complex characters. He stressed that his goal was to portray a character that was relatable and captivating to Vietnamese audiences.
Bùi Như Lai (born 1979), a graduate of the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema, has held various positions including Head of the Physical Theatre Troupe and Head of Troupe 1 at the Youth Theatre. Currently, he serves as Vice-Dean of the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema. He has directed and contributed to several successful productions, including Rebirth and Through the Stormy Days.
In 2019, he was awarded the title of Upright Artist and the Third-Class Labor Medal. In 2021, he directed The Poisoned Cup, Vietnam’s first play adaptation of a 1921 script by Vũ Đình Long. He also finds pride in this project. At the 5th International Experimental Theatre Festival in 2022, he received a Gold Medal for To the Other Side (a work by the late writer Nguyễn Huy Thiệp) and a Silver Medal for Oedipus Rex.
Lương Thu Trang (born 1990), hails from Tuyên Quang and currently works at the Youth Theatre. She gained recognition through her appearances in numerous TV dramas, including City Girls, Spring Remains, Sunflower Against the Sun, Mirror Mask, Mind Games, and Heart Rescue Station.
Despite joining the TV drama scene later in her career, she has quickly achieved success with various memorable roles. Her portrayal of the independent character Dương Minh in Sunflower Against the Sun earned her the 2020 Cánh Diều Award for Best TV Actress.
