Myanmar News Links: ‘I Study as Much as I Can About Different Fashions’

Burmese actress and model Soe Nanda Kyaw poses at the construction site of Star City, on the banks of the Rangoon River. Click on the box below to see more photos. (Photo: Jpaing / The Irrawaddy)

RANGOON — Burmese actress Soe Nanda Kyaw has grown popular with the Burmese public after she was cast as Myant Noe Khin, the main character in MRTV4 channel's soap series "Sign of Love," which also features well-known actors Sai Sai Kham Laing, Thet Mon Myint and Win Ya Mone Hlaing.

Soe Nanda Kyaw recently appeared as a model in photo advertisements for clothing brand STEP wear and is reportedly scheduled to do more fashion photo advertisements. She spoke to The Irrawaddy about her fondness of fashion, her career and family background.

"I study as much as I can about different fashions," says Soen Nanda Kyaw. "Though I like contemporary fashions, I don't often wear something that is too short or too extravagant. But I love wearing traditional Burmese dresses."

The 19-year-old had an early breakthrough into acting and modeling after she won a talent contest in Rangoon, although she says that she had to convince her parents to let her pursue a career in arts and entertainment industry.

"My parents didn't want me to work in the field of arts. I promised them that I would quit my art work if I did not win that performance contest. But luckily, I won and they had to let me continue my art work," she recalls.

Soe Nanda Kyaw said that due to her sudden success she has not had enough time to focus on her education and finish her high school exams.

"I am going to re-sit for my tenth-grade examination. But I haven't decided when… At present, I just focus all my attention on my art work. I am going to try to become a graduate. But, I am going to continue working as an actress," she said.

Her family, she said, had taught her to keep a good attitude in her relationships with others, adding that this has helped her during her career.

"My parents always taught me to be humble towards others. I even deal politely with people working for the media. I am not vain because my parents have taught me to have good relations with everybody," Soe Nanda Kyaw said. "I am a calm person. Everyone acquainted with me knows that," she added, "I love a calm and peaceful family."