BK: What was it like playing a mentally ill person?
My first impression after reading the script was, “Whoa! What a challenge!” And that’s what it really was. To get a clear understanding of how Kwang thinks and feels, I had to dig deep into her complex background. People who have mental disorders tend to be quite quiet and speak with their eyes instead. So I had to learn how to communicate more with my eyes. There were workshops between the director, the actors and the crew. And there was an acting course with M.L. Pandevanop “Mom Noi” Devakul. I also did more research by watching films and reading books about mentally ill people.

BK: Did it affect you, having to enter her personality?
Of course it did. Sometimes during the shooting, I would be too deeply involved in the character’s mind to tune out. I wasn’t aware of it until the crew noticed that I was so absent-minded that they had to pull me back to reality. As for my attitude towards life, the film emphasizes what I’ve always believed: you can choose whether to be happy or depressed, it depends on you. I never let miserable ideas destroy me as the characters in the film do.

BK: Do you feel any pressure being the daughter of famous entertainer Arun Bhavilai?
No, not really. I think my personal life doesn’t matter. What matters is my performance. The only thing on my mind is to do my best. I’m sure this film will prove how I really put in a lot of effort to this role. I want to let my work speak for me.

BK: Has your father given you any advice about starting your acting career?
He tells me to be friendly and generous. At work, I always bring snacks for everyone. More importantly, he always reminds me that everyone in the film crew is equally important, not just the director or the actors. So he teaches me to respect everyone I work with no matter who they are.

BK: What’s your lifestyle like? Do you party a lot?
I rather stay with my mom and hang out at my father’s restaurant, Koona [in Ladprao 71]. Mom and I like to bake and we’re opening a new business, making tab bod [liver pate].

BK: What are your future career plans?
When I was a child, I often tagged along with my dad when he worked. So I’ve always been familiar with the entertainment industry. And now I’m studying Communication Arts in Bangkok University’s International Program. So my goal is crystal clear: I want to work in entertainment. I’m interested in it all—acting, singing and dancing. I would leap at any chance offered to me. I also want to work behind the scenes when I get older and have gained more experience. Benjamaporn Meekaeo.