After a long hiatus from the small screen, Thai diva Mai Charoenpura gives it her all in her comeback, in Channel 3's sensational period drama Krong Karma.
The affable superstar powerfully portrays the larger-than-life Yoy, a controlling mother of four sons.
"Yoy is bossy, hot-tempered, harsh and outspoken. Don't argue with her because she's always right," Mai said of the strong protagonist that brought her back to TV.
It has respectively been four and eight years since she starred in a musical or a movie, while her last appearance in a soap opera was some 16 years ago.
"Different skills are required in each of these dramatic arts. TV acting also demands time and rescheduling of my daily life. But I couldn't reject such a challenging role, and committed myself to the eight months of filming of Krong Karma," she said. "The director [Pongpat Wachirabunjong] asked for realism and 'acting that is not acting'. The cast had to fulfil their roles as if the characters have walked out from the novel."
Penned by Nipon Tiengtham aka Julamanee, Krong Karma is set in the 1960s in Nakhon Sawan province, where Yoy and her husband of Chinese descent run several businesses in Chumsaeng district.
The domineering mother aims to find her sons good wives but with tragic consequences.
Mai Charoenpura as Yoy in scenes from Krong Karma.
Her oldest son brings home a former prostitute as his wife, who uses black magic on him to secure the romance. A similar spell is cast on Yoy so she will be accepted as the family's first daughter-in-law.
The first son is supposed to marry a woman from a rich family, who instead weds the second son. Likewise, the third son is compelled to marry someone that he doesn't love while Yoy doesn't know that the bride is already pregnant from another guy.
Vice versa, the youngest son denies a woman, whom he made pregnant.
"My mother raised four children too, and I drew inspiration from her in expressing a mother's love," said Mai. "Yoy's actions are driven by this unconditional love for her sons, but unfortunately, nothing works out for her."
The tough Yoy, like any other human being, has her soft side. As much as being a mean mother-in-law, she's a loving wife and mother, who wants the very best for her family.
Reading the script actually brought the sensitive actress to tears, which poured out during the filming of heartbreaking scenes.
"I couldn't stop crying, with an empathy for Yoy and her family," she said. "On the other extreme, I had to play the fiery Yoy, scolding the daughter-in-law and other people around her."
Mai completely absorbed herself in being the shrewish character, to the point that she became sick after emotional scenes.
The gripping melodrama though carries substance and a message about parenting.
"It illustrates the love between husband and wife, mother and children; and reflects on the family institute, which remains important, no matter how the world has changed," she said. "It shows both the mother and son side, and how reconciling different points of view can help overcome family conflicts."
Produced by Act Art Generation, Krong Karma basically presents human nature, with each character in a leading role in his or her own right.
The translated title refers to how a person is "caged" and cannot avoid the outcome brought about by his or her actions, following the law of cause and effect.
Since its premiere earlier this year, Krong Karma has been the talk of the town, similar to Khon Roeng Muang -- Mai's first TV drama aired in 1988.
Her movie acting career began four years earlier when at the tender age of 15, she starred in Khor Khae Kidtueng along with Suchart Chawangkul and Thongchai McIntyre.
The in-demand young actress played in 14 other films before turning to TV acting.
The youngest daughter of actor/director Surin Charoenpura aka Rujn Ronaphob and Vipakorn Sontikul, Mai evidently followed in her father's footsteps.
"While it's in the blood, I had to prove myself as a professional actor," she said. "Being cast in Khon Roeng Muang raised eyebrows since I was considered too young for the leading role."
She played Pring, from her teenage years to her 40s. Moreover, the character is a seductress with seven men in her life. A remake also had her in the same role, but this time round in her early 30s she was more mature and experienced.
The talented actress later proved herself as a singer. For three decades, Mai has ruled as Thailand's Queen of Pop-Rock -- her greatest hits including Phae Jai, Ter Roo Rue Plao, Sia Jai Dai Yin Mai and Sud Rit Sud Det.
Last July, the "I Am Mai" concert held at Royal Paragon Hall marked 30 years of her career as a recording artist.
"I love acting and singing. I had to pause the filming of Krong Karma, and prepare myself for the milestone concert," she said.
"I never thought that I would come this far as a singer. It's even more touching to see my fans, who have been with me all the way. Some of them share how my songs have provided encouragement, to help them get through tough times. Even more rewarding, the new generation can sing along to my songs too."
Krong Karma airs on Channel 3, on Monday and Tuesday, from 8.20pm.
