For Patravadi Mechudhon, chic is not an adjective but a state of mind. It's something she's always been (but never flaunted) even when nobody was quite sure what chic was. The grand dame of Thai theatre, now 65, is best known today as a respected acting guru and the founder of Patravadi Theatre and Wig Hua Hin, but in the 1970s, Patravadi _ then one of the sexiest women on screen _ had a solid career in cinema. That lasted until 1987, after which she turned her attention to the stage.
Last Saturday, the Thai Film Archive honoured Patravadi by inviting her to put the imprint of her palms on wet concrete of its famous Lan Dara _ the Thai version of the handprint square in Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood. As seen in this picture, Patravadi was also asked to act out an impromptu sketch in Black Maria, an old-fashioned movie studio with a traditional style backdrop. The banana is a regular joke prop that every guest to the Archive is asked to improvise with.
Patravadi's first film was Maimee Sawan Samrab Khun (No Heaven For You) in 1973, in which she plays a character 10 years older than her real self. She went on to star in other well-known titles such as Nang Ek (Leading Lady, 1975), Nam Phueng Khom (Bitter Honey, 1974), and perhaps one of the most darkly romantic Thai films Kwam Rak Krang Sud Tai (Last Love, 1975), directed by MC Chatrichalerm Yukol. Her last film was Nang Nual in 1987, in which she plays a seductive _ and chic _ stepmother.
Still strong and spry on Saturday as she put her hands on the cement, the legacy of Patravadi lives on.
