Krsytal Virulchanya or Krystal Vee, 26, appeared in Hollywood films The Scorpion King 3 and The Lazarus Papers. She’s now back in town and is starring in new Thai film, Sarawat Ma Baa. BK had a chance to sit and chat with her about her Hollywood lifestyle and how she became an actress.

How did you get your start in acting?
A scout picked me out while I was walking around Siam Square, and that was my first step in the business. I starred in some Thai TV commercials and dramas, and I also worked as a model in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Luckily, Thailand is a very popular location with international filmmakers, and this provides a lot of opportunities for Thai actors and actresses. After I was discovered by a scout, I jumped at an audition opportunity and was cast in the film Street Fighter.

Do you have any other hobbies or interests apart from acting?
Though I’m mainly an actress, I’ve also been a dancer for about two years—once I was a backup dancer for Burin Boonvisut’s concert, and at the time Chris Horwang was a choreographer for the show. I was fascinated by his career. Now whenever I listen to dance music, moves will automatically pop up in my head, so if I wasn’t an actress I would have been a choreographer. 

You’re very fit. You have any diet tips?
Actually, I love eating and I never reject any food because it has a lot of calories. But getting fat isn’t a serious problem for me because I love exercising. What works for me is eating lots vegetables and exercising daily, because working out helps you stay in good shape and keeps you healthy. If I think that I’m getting fat, I just reduce my carbohydrate intake and work out more. 

What is one of your most memorable movie experiences?
In the film Scorpion King 3, I didn’t know how to fence but the producer expected me to master it in a really limited amount of time. So after a lot of effort and training by the Ong-Bak team, I felt really good about the end result, but sometimes it was difficult. When we were filming, I didn’t get to use any protective equipment or have stunt doubles so sometimes I got injured. My producer always used the first take, too! Once, I even had to do a somersault without using a protective mattress or anything. But after I watched the film, I was so proud of myself for what I had accomplished. It was a very memorable time.

What is your passion outside of acting and dancing?
Traveling is my passion, since I have traveled a lot in my childhood because of my father’s job. Actually, now I am planning to go on safari in Africa, and I’d really love to help African children while I’m there. I’ve heard about some of them being kidnapped, turned into soldiers and then brainwashed into murdering people. Fortunately, they were rescued by the United Nations and are temporarily sheltered by an orphanage. But I’d like to go and see how their lives are, where they live and if I can do anything to help them.

What’s your next ambition?
My dream is to be an international actress—I don’t want to just work in Thailand or Hollywood because I love to work everywhere. I think working in a French or Singaporean film would be a great opportunity.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment