Cover Billkin at the presscon for How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (photo by Tulika Tippamas)
Billkin at the presscon for How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (photo by Tulika Tippamas)
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In February, the Thai actor gave Tatler Thailand an exclusive interview in anticipation of the release of his new movie
International audiences might know Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul from his roles in various series such as My Ambulance and I Told Sunset About You. An Asia’s Most Influential honouree from Thailand, Billkin is an actor and a prominent T-Pop artist as well, releasing a comeback single, “Kao Kai”, earlier this year.
This talented entertainer returns with a new and highly anticipated lead role in the movie Lan Ma (หลานม่า), a family drama produced by GDH and released internationally under the title How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Directed by Pat Boonnitipat, the family drama topped the box office when it premiered in Thailand on April 4, and has since opened to rave reviews in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well in other territories in Asia and the Pacific.
Read Billkin's full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Earlier this year, Billkin sat down for an exclusive interview with Tatler Thailand to discuss the challenges of starring in a feature film for the first time, along with the familiarity of his music. Here are the highlights:
Above Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul is a Thai entertainer known for his roles in My Ambulance and I Told Sunset About You
Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul is a Thai entertainer known for his roles in My Ambulance and I Told Sunset About You
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Could you tell us about your experience of taking on your first lead role in a movie?
I think working as a film actor is different from acting in series or [television] dramas. From my past experiences, I feel that acting in films requires the most craft. For instance, when we work on a series, we shoot about 10 to 20 sessions and edit them down to five episodes, with a total of 5 to 6 hours of footage. However, for a movie, we have around 20 shoot days.
For How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, we shot for 25 sessions, which was edited down to just over an hour. Each filming day is shorter because they want us to be fresh for every scene. This results in fewer scenes shot each day, but [each scene] requires more time. The shots are typically done with a single camera to avoid overlapping lines, adding to the work involved. This needs more detailed and focused acting, with enough time to refine each scene. And since this is my first leading role, there was a lot of pressure to capture the nuances of each scene and carry the story of this movie.
How much preparation did you need for this role, and what were the challenges?
I haven't taken on an acting role in a long time. My last project was the second season of I Told Sunset About You, about three years ago. I’ve been waiting for a role that could reignite my passion for acting, as it requires a lot of physical and emotional energy to fully immerse myself in a character.
The hardest part for me was transitioning back into actor mode. As we grow older, it becomes harder to believe in things that don't happen to us, unlike when we were kids. This role demanded natural, everyday acting, almost like living in front of the camera. It involved changing my background to fit the character, including [physical] aspects like losing weight, makeup, changing my look, and even my mannerisms.
The storytelling pace of this movie required a very natural feel, like we were living in front of the camera for everyone to see, rather than trying to push or emphasise emotions. It was about becoming the character, adopting the lifestyle of someone who sells congee [and lives] in a shophouse, and being an unemployed, aimless youth. This meant changing my mindset and attitude to match the character. I changed external factors like weight, makeup, my look, and even how I walk, handle things, and speak—all these had to feel natural and instinctive. The challenge was to make everything more instinctive, which was new to me.
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The hardest part for me was transitioning back into actor mode. As we grow older, it becomes harder to believe in things that don't happen to us, unlike when we were kids. This role demanded natural, everyday acting, almost like living in front of the camera.
How does your character in this movie resemble you?
The most apparent similarity would be the family background, being of Chinese descent and having multiple generations living under one roof. This includes the language and cultural aspects within the household.
What is the movie trying to tell the audience?
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a meaningful film for me, and I believe it will be meaningful to the audience too. It offers something to think about and a reminder that we might be neglecting someone important, that we may not be giving something the attention it deserves before it's too late. The film encourages viewers to appreciate family and human nature.
Apart from your film work, could you share the background of your new single “Kaokai”? I heard it's your first collaboration with Bowkylion.
Bowkylion is very talented as an artist and producer for both herself and others. She has a comprehensive skill set for creating music. She can see the big picture of an artist's identity and what type of music suits them. Her storytelling is sharp and straightforward, with a unique style. She writes the lyrics, creates the melody, oversees the vocals, and arranges the music. I learned a lot from her.
How does working with Bowkylion make "Kaokai" different from your previous songs?
Musically, this song remains rooted in soul, but the melody has R&B influences. The vocal techniques and riffs are new to me, as I've never done a song with these elements before. It's challenging and fun.
Which part of the music creation process do you enjoy the most?
Every step, from brainstorming ideas to refining each element of the song. Discussing the narrative, the storytelling method, and the song's function to recording vocals and shooting the music video—all these parts are enjoyable in different ways. It's like putting together a puzzle to create a complete piece.
What do you want to convey to listeners with your comeback single?
This song tells a story from my perspective about the feeling of being unable to move on, combined with Bowkylion's songwriting. It's a relatable experience for everyone. I hope listeners can see how this song connects with their own experiences.
Have you ever had moments where you wanted to interfere with someone's life?
No, I don't really like getting involved in other people's business (laughs).
Conversely, how do you handle it when someone meddles with you?
It depends on the situation. We communicate, but it might need to be done diplomatically to avoid hurting feelings. Ultimately, being straightforward is the best, but we should speak with tact.
Of all the songs you've made so far, which style do you think best represents you?
I think soul music influences me the most, both now and in the past. It's the clearest reflection of my preferences and what I enjoy doing the most.
This interview was originally published in Thai on Tatler Thailand.
