Tran Thien Tu, who gained fame as a child actress in the film 'Silk Dress of Hanoi', has made a remarkable comeback at the age of 35 as the lead character An Nhien in the recently released film 'Hộ Linh Tráng Sĩ'. This historical action film has captured the attention of audiences, particularly due to Thien Tu's transformation into a fierce warrior, featuring numerous sword fighting and horseback riding scenes.

In an interview, Thien Tu expressed that this project was the longest preparation period of her career, taking seven months of intense training in martial arts and physical conditioning. Guided by veteran actor Johnny Tri Nguyen, she pushed herself to the limits, refusing to complain or seek leniency in her training. "I was quite delicate before and never imagined I would have the chance to play a warrior on screen. I had to start almost from scratch, getting accustomed to combat moves and weapon handling. I didn’t want to be treated differently just because I’m a woman," she shared.

This new role marks a significant milestone for Thien Tu after years in the industry, allowing her to step out of her comfort zone in romantic dramas and venture into the action genre. She expressed gratitude for being labeled as an action heroine by fans but acknowledged that pursuing this genre requires long-term dedication and effort. "Even after filming wrapped, I continue to train in martial arts three times a week. Johnny Tri Nguyen also reminds me to learn more about scriptwriting and action sequences. I believe being an action heroine is not just a label to wear during the film; it requires building physical strength, technical skills, and the ability to express a character’s personality through dynamic actions. All of this demands perseverance and consistent practice," she added.

Before gaining attention for her role as a warrior, Thien Tu was known for her emotional performance as a child in 'Silk Dress of Hanoi'. At 15, she portrayed a young girl named Ngo, navigating the hardships of a family during wartime. Despite never experiencing war or loss herself, she had to convey the pain of a child who lost her mother and sister. This role was her first experience in acting, teaching her that it was not just about memorizing lines but about observing and empathizing with the world around her.

After 'Silk Dress of Hanoi', Thien Tu appeared in other films, including 'Immortal Legend', but took a break from acting to study abroad. In 2024, she graduated with a Master's degree in Directing Theory and Practice from the Central Academy of Drama in China. During her hiatus, she gained popularity on TikTok for her videos translating and singing Vietnamese songs in Mandarin, earning her the nickname 'Tu Man Thau'.

Reflecting on her career, Thien Tu emphasized that she never left the industry; instead, she was continuously auditioning but not selected. "At that time, I doubted myself, thinking that my previous roles were just lucky breaks and that I might not be suited for this profession," she recalled. During her search for answers, she maintained her readiness for opportunities and continued to learn, perform in short films, and engage in creative projects.

Now, at 35, Thien Tu does not define happiness or fulfillment in complicated terms. Raised by parents who encouraged independence, she prefers to live according to her feelings and instincts. She believes it is essential to choose meaningful work without succumbing to competition or comparison. When not filming, she prioritizes rest, good food, adequate sleep, watching movies, and caring for her family. She also focuses on skincare and maintaining her natural beauty.

After years in the industry, Thien Tu acknowledges that being an actress requires significant sacrifices. Each project can last for months, with filming schedules that often keep her away from family. Sometimes, embodying a character affects her mood in real life, making it challenging to explain her feelings to loved ones. Nevertheless, she believes that every profession has its difficulties. Having chosen acting, she learned to balance her work and family life through various stages.

Looking back on her 20-year journey since her role in 'Silk Dress of Hanoi', Thien Tu no longer views missed opportunities or periods of absence as failures. Instead, they have become moments of reflection that helped her understand her motivations for pursuing this career and gather experiences for future roles.