Artists reveal reality behind showbiz glitter Two Vietnamese artists talked about the real lives of Vietnamese celebrities, giving an image that is completely different from what many of the artists themselves are trying to promote.   Around 10% of Vietnamese artists are really rich Vietnamese audiences have grown used to seeing their favourite celebrities make frequent appearances at events dressed up on expensive clothes and accessories, conveying the picture of a glamorous lifestyle. Recently, however, the actor, Nguyen Le Ba Thang, surprised many people by posting what life is really like behind the scenes on his fan page. According to Thang, much of what fans see is just an illusion, or vastly exaggerated. Many artists, he said are paid only a few hundred thousand VND to appear for a night.   Actor Nguyen Le Ba Thang “In order to be paid with sums in the tens of millions of VND, an actor would have to work for several months on a film project, all the while having to cover their own transport fees and buy their own costumes," he said. Singers, too, are often only paid in the hundreds of thousands for performances, the actor disclosed. He said that many artists attempt to show off using things that do not belong to them including luxurious houses, cars, clothes, and jewelry. Many artists are reduced to borrowing belongings from friends or colleges or buying second-hand products to maintain the appearance of wealth. “I’m an actor who is working class, so I cannot show off using rented and borrowed things. I’m not afraid of being poorer than others because I still have self-respect. My biggest asset has been my love for my career and the attention of my audience,” he said. His display of candor received great support from his fans and colleagues, including singer Minh Quan.   Singer Minh Quan “I agree with Thang. I think only 10% of artists are really rich, 20% have prosperous lives, 50% earn enough money to survive, while the rest have to struggle just to earn a living,” Minh Quan said. He blamed the habit of showing off on younger artists. Many of these people do not even earn enough money to support themselves and have to ask for help from their families, but still try to live a lifestyle of luxury. "Many young artists dress up in expensive clothes and go to shopping malls without buying anything, or refuse to eat at roadside stalls because they think it would tarnish their image," he said. "They are too young and lack living skills. They have not yet learned how to behave properly." Source: LD, VietNamNet, dtinews.vn