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The Nation January 30, 2012 1:00 am
The Culture Ministry has just named veteran singer Settha Sirachaya a National Artist in the performing arts.
But the news is bittersweet, coming so soon after the death of another of our National Artists, Juree "Pa Ju" Osiri - to whom Settha was as devoted as a son.
At her funeral, Settha recalled the day 36 years ago that Pa Ju, who famously lent her voice to movie dubs, introduced him to the industry, offering him a role in "Fai Gam Prae". They remained close from then on.
It was at Pa Ju's funeral that Settha heard that he too had joined the ranks of National Artists. It just made him sadder than he already was.
"She nominated me for this honour for three straight years," he said, "and finally I get it when she's no longer with me."
During the bathing rite, Settha whispered in Pa Ju's ear: Her wish had come true.
Homage to Rong
Another late National Artist, Rong Wongsawan, is the subject of a new 60-minute documentary that took Wayu Film and director Nichapoom Chai-anan two years to make.
Nichapoom says the movie was a challenge but also a great honour. "I wouldn't have done it without the strong support of the Wongsawan family," he adds. "All that I've tried to convey in the film is the power of love."
Much of that love was directed at Rong and his fiction and non-fiction writings by his fans. Nichapoom advises them that he couldn't portray every aspect of Rong's life, but he hopes the film will refresh all their good memories of him.
And he believes it will motivate many viewers to try harder to reach their fullest potential in life, as Rong did.
Rong died on March 15, 2009. The documentary is reaching the big screen almost in time for the sad third anniversary - but only for two days, so mark your calendar. "Rong Wongsawan" is at the Lido Theatre 1 on March 17 and 18 at 4.30 and 6.30pm.
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