I missed films. During the past few years, I got approached with a few scripts. But nothing clicked, so I turned them down.
I had to do a lot of homework. It wasn’t easy coming back. I had to learn almost everything all over again because the shooting process has changed so much.
In my day, films were uncomplicated and easy-to-follow. Everything was spelled out through the dialogue. But now, directors tend to leave something to the audiences’ imagination, which is great.
When I first entered show business, I used to look down on action films. I didn’t believe that actors could pull off the daredevil scenes themselves. I thought they simply relied on special effects and stunt artists. But when I actually got to work with them, I realized how wrong I was. They could do it all in one take!
I remember sitting stunned, gaping at Daew Choopong [a martial artist and actor] as he effortlessly glided through each action sequence when we were filming Queens. It took years of training for him to be able to do that. It shows how dedicated he is to his craft.
I come from a poor background. I didn’t become an actress because I wanted to be famous. I simply wanted to buy a house and provide my family with a comfortable life. That was why I was willing to do everything the director told me, even if it meant risking my life.
I was dubbed the action queen but I didn’t have any proper training. I relied mostly on my gut.
I have been in many accidents. In one film, I had to jump from the Rama 6 Bridge. I had no idea how to do it properly and safely. They simply told me to land on the pile of boxes with my knees in a flexed position. I ended up kneeing myself in the face.
I was typecast as a tomboy because I had been in so many action films. Some people even assumed I was a lesbian [laughs]. But it was director Ruj Ronnapop who saw another side of me and helped me break out from that image. He cast me as the strong-minded Pojjaman in his Baan Sai Thong and it was my big break.
Actors improve with time and practice. The more characters you play, the more versatile you are and the better an actor you’ll be.
I am where I am today because of the help I got from the actors and actresses who came before me. They gave me advice and little nudges in the right direction. They helped me shine and now it’s my turn to do the same for the next generation of actors.
Nowadays, actors are blessed with a variety of roles. They should be grateful for that. In my days, there were so few choices. I was sick and tired of playing the same type of character over and over again.
I admire the new generation of actors. They are very talented and able to adapt themselves to whatever roles come up.
I don’t mind playing a mother. If a producer or a director feels that my knowledge and experience could be of any help to the new actors they want to shove into the limelight, then I’m happy to help.
I won’t do erotic films. I’m not comfortable flaunting my body on screen.
There were times when I contemplated quitting acting altogether. Show business is a whole new game today, compared to what it was in the past. The attitudes of the people involved have also changed.
But acting still makes me happy and there is no solid reason why I should give it up for good.
I consider myself a business woman now. My company distributes alternative medicine and beauty products. I only take an acting job when it doesn’t conflict with my work schedule.
I really need a break. I have been working non-stop all year.
