In Part One, the interview with the impresario of BAGAN THE BEGINNING, we connected with the breath of the series. Now we have a chance to discern the beauty and identify the brawn of the characters in the story because we sometimes forget that who carries out these fantasy aspirations are real live human beings who bring themselves into their depictions. Sometimes it is only a little or even just peripherally, while at other times it is substantial. In the case of these three young men, they brought more than most of us realized. For them, it became a labor of love. And a commitment to showcase a culture still steep in tradition and custom yet harnessing the winds of change as it gently breezes through its society, softly, imperceptivity bringing change. Each of them imparted a uniqueness to BAGAN THE BEGINNING that became more than their stunning good looks, which of course they are undeniably blessed with.

As you will read, each had his own set of challenges dealing with. Those undertakings were honestly reflected more so in the nuances and subtleties in the characterization of their portrayals. Vita Min as Mani is the central and pivotal character both to the essence and narrative of the story and is obviously proud to be from Bagan. Walar, played by newcoming Min Nyein Chan, is a confused and rather complex tragic individual. Meanwhile, Zaw Shine Hteh as Hylan anguishes from internal strife and family conflict about his choice of whom to love.

Here are their reflections and introspections:

Vita Min:

1. Your acting seemed particularly intense, especially in your expressions of the descriptions of Bagan. Does that place have special meaning for you?

Ans: Bagan holds a special place in the hearts of Myanmar’s inhabitants as it’s considered the country’s lifeline. Personally, I too have a great fondness for Bagan, which is why I took great care in researching and explaining its significance in the scenes. It was essential for me to avoid any errors in the historical context.

2. How challenging was this role in comparison to your role in BUS STOP, which I loved as well?

Ans : I appreciate your positive feedback on my performance in “Bus Stop”. I am grateful to CEO and Director Ko Kelvin of Trust Entertainment for entrusting me with the role, as the characters in Bus Stop and Bagan Beginning are vastly different. Initially, it was challenging to convince the audience to suspend disbelief and accept this new character. Fans expressed their worries about my ability to take on the role, but I dedicated my best efforts to portray the two characters; differences convincingly. I am delighted to have regained the trust of my supporters.

3. When Mani tells Thae Pain that Walar confesses his liking him, Mani’s reaction is conflicted. Not so much that he likes Walar, but his feelings are deeply buried for someone else. Was that the beginning of Mani’s love for Hylan surfacing?

Ans: Understanding Mani’s character was challenging for me since I had read the script before portraying the role. To appropriately capture Mani’s essence, I had to practice different approaches while taking cues from the director’s guidance. The objective was to keep the audience engaged without anticipating the ending of the film. Mani’s feelings towards Walar were not of love but rather fondness. In contrast, I, as the actor, only loved Lyan. However, Mani’s complex emotions and prideful disposition could have led to her being possessed by Walar if Lyan had not opened up to her, and Walar had not been portrayed as a villain. In my opinion, Mani’s character conveys both love and like, as per the writer/director’s vision.

4. Have you had any personal repercussions from being in a BL and filming in Myanmar? Were people receptive to the filming?

Ans: Despite Myanmar being a conservative country, I believed that criticism towards the film was inevitable. However, to my delight, the film has been well-received by audiences of all ages, surpassing my expectations.

I am immensely proud of the effort invested in creating a film that resonates with people.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Zaw Shine Htet:

5. Of all the characters, you are the most readable. It seemed obvious from the beginning Hylan was in love with Mani. Correct?

Ans: I assumed the role of the character Lyan with a tremendous sense of responsibility. My approach involved investing significant effort into each scene, particularly as they were based on real-life situations. One of the most challenging aspects of the role was expressing the feelings of a friend towards Mani solely through the eyes, without the ability to articulate them verbally. Through meticulous pre-production, we aimed to convey the emotions through our eyes. As I watched Vita, my focus was solely on Mani, and during filming, I felt a genuine sense of excitement due to the authenticity of the performances.

6. Also, your range of internal emotions were profoundly subtle yet obvious. How difficult was this role to play, especially in having to have so much conflict with a mother figure?

Ans: The intense rivalry between Lyan and his mother Daw Si Si serves as a critical element in the movie, to the extent of defining its overall theme. To fully immerse the audience in their story, I captured raw, authentic emotions in every scene. Even when it meant shedding real tears, I remained committed to delivering a captivating and relatable experience for viewers. The characters of Daw Si Si and Lyan represent the struggles of many individuals in real life. The emotional depth of their story resonated with audiences so much that they too felt the pain and strife of their battles. It fills me with pride to have received the support and admiration of so many fans, and to have been able to create something that remains memorable to this day.

7. Do you think Hylan is courageous?

Ans: Lyan is not just courageous, but also deeply compassionate. He would go to great lengths for the person he loves, even putting their needs before his own. Despite his calm demeanor when around Mani, his love interest, his feelings for her grew stronger when faced with external pressures like the interference of Walar and his mother’s disapproval. Lyan exhibited bravery and a willingness to confront any obstacle in the name of love.

8. Have you had any personal repercussions from being in a BL and filming in Myanmar? Were people receptive to the filming?

Ans: Despite the growing popularity of Boy Love (BL) series, there are still people who do not understand the genre. Some individuals, particularly straight people and parents, hold conservative and closed-minded views towards it. This necessitates precision in the filming details of BL-related projects. Our producer and director, in particular, are committed to ensuring accuracy. While BL projects have become more widespread in Myanmar, cultural customs still influence some people’s opinions. However, the Bagan Beginning Series, filmed in Myanmar’s ancient cultural area, received tremendous praise for its portrayal of love. I am proud to say that my family even watched it and understood Lyan’s character’s emotions. Their encouragement and support made me feel accepted no matter what. Unfortunately, many children still face pressure from their parents, relatives, and community, which undermines their happiness. I encourage everyone to be brave, accept themselves, and never give up.

Min Nyein Chan

9. Congratulations on some great acting! I sensed you were hiding something from the beginning but only hinted at your internal pain. Your seductiveness is astonishing. Are you aware of that? I honestly believed Walar when he said he loved Mani.

Ans: I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the congratulations on my debut acting role. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase my talent, and I owe it all to CEO and Director Ko Kelvin. The series was written by the director himself, and he had a clear vision for the character. While it was challenging to portray the character’s intended revenge, I was able to balance it with love and seductiveness. One scene required reshooting, and I had to express my love to Mani convincingly. The director was persistent in ensuring that the scene was right, and I worked hard to deliver. I’m delighted that my dedication to the role has been appreciated, and I’m grateful to those who have enjoyed the character of Walar.

10. Those emotional scenes at the end had to come at a heavy cost and looked very intense. Where they difficult to shoot?

Ans; As soon as I read the script, I recognized the complexity of the character I was to portray. This was the climactic scene in the story, and I knew it had to be perfect. I immersed myself in the role of Walar, rehearsing and preparing diligently during pre-production. My fellow actors and director offered guidance and support, helping me to deliver a stellar performance without any complications on set.

11. Walar is such a tragic figure with an astonishing boyish charm about it. Is it wrong to have wanted something less fateful for him at the end?

Ans: Initially, Walar’s character appeared cute and playful, but soon he took on the persona of a mischievous boy. As the episode progressed, he was portrayed as a sick man with a thirst for revenge. However, by the end of the episode, he was depicted as a pitiful character who cherished love and would defend it at all costs. The story’s conclusion was rather sorrowful for Walar, but it allowed the audience to empathize with him and become more invested in the story. I personally appreciated how the story ended.

12. Have you had any personal repercussions from being in a BL and filming in Myanmar? Were people receptive to the filming?

Ans; Burmese fans, much like their international counterparts, show great enthusiasm for BL. BL revolves around showcasing love between two individuals and that’s why it has garnered widespread acceptance and support from those who believe in the power of love. As a result, the genre has faced minimal criticism from the outside world, and in fact, has been encouraged with open arms. This has led to a significant increase in the number of fans who enjoy BL.

It is hard to comment following that! Not only are they fine actors, but they are also articulate, engrossing, and grounded. Each of you who watched this series will come away with a different perspective, which is at it should be. While your perspectives might all be different from mine, I cannot help but sense that in the back of your mind, like me, you might have entertained just a slightly different reality. Maybe one not so melancholic for one of the characters?

In any case, and more importantly, I am hoping, and wanting a Season 2! Some love stories can be told softly and still be heard quite loudly.