How Blackpink’s Lisa helped her White Lotus co-star with his Thai dialogue: She ‘helped a lot’

The Transition from Singing to Acting: A Shared Experience

Thapthimthong and Manobal, who are both singers turned actors, opened up about their shared journey of transitioning from the world of music to the world of acting. While they acknowledged the similarities between performing on stage and acting on screen, they emphasized the unique challenges that come with stepping into character for an extended period. For singers, the performance is often limited to the duration of a song, but acting requires a deeper, more sustained immersion into a character. This shift in mindset was one of the first hurdles they faced when venturing into acting.

Thapthimthong explained that while singing does involve a form of acting—conveying emotions and telling a story through lyrics—the demands of acting in a film or series are far more intensive. “In singing, you’re performing for three minutes, maybe four, and then it’s over,” he said. “But in acting, you’re living as someone else for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the project. It’s a different kind of stamina and mental focus.” He added that maintaining the mindset of a character throughout a shoot requires constant reminders of who you are, what’s happened in the story so far, and how your character should react in any given situation.

The Challenge of Consistency in Character

Manobal echoed Thapthimthong’s sentiments, sharing her own struggles with maintaining character consistency. She admitted that one of the biggest challenges for her was staying true to her character, Mook, and not slipping into her own personality. “When you’re in a scene, you have to think, ‘What would Mook do in this situation?’ not ‘What would Lisa do?’” she said. This required a level of self-awareness and discipline that she hadn’t fully developed as a singer.

To overcome this, Manobal relied on her director, who played a crucial role in helping her stay in character. The director would often remind her of the nuances of her character, particularly in how Mook interacted with other characters. For instance, the director emphasized that Mook and Gaitok, played by Thapthimthong, were close friends, which meant that certain formalities, like using the Thai sentence-ending particle "ka," weren’t appropriate in their conversations. “I usually use ‘ka’ when I talk to him in real life, but on set, I had to remember that I’m Mook and he’s Gaitok,” she recalled. “It was little details like that which helped me stay in character.”

The Role of the Director in Shaping Performances

The director’s guidance was instrumental in helping both Thapthimthong and Manobal navigate their roles. According to Manobal, the director worked closely with them to ensure that their performances were authentic and consistent. From the way they spoke to the way they carried themselves, every detail was carefully considered. For example, the director would often remind Manobal to drop the "ka" when speaking to Thapthimthong’s character, as it was more natural for their relationship.

Thapthimthong also noted that the director’s insights were invaluable. “He’d tell us things like, ‘Mook wouldn’t say it that way’ or ‘Gaitok would react differently in this situation.’ It really helped us get into the right mindset,” he said. The director’s involvement not only helped them stay true to their characters but also deepened their understanding of the story and their place within it.

Balancing Chemistry and Character

One of the more surprising challenges for Manobal and Thapthimthong was balancing their real-life chemistry with the dynamics of their characters. Off-screen, they were friendly and polite, often using formal language with each other. But on-screen, their characters didn’t share the same level of formality, especially in their interactions. Manobal admitted that she sometimes forgot to drop the "ka" when speaking to Thapthimthong during filming, a habit that took time to break.

However, their real-life rapport also had its advantages. The chemistry between them was natural and genuine, which made their on-screen relationship more believable. Thapthimthong noted that while playing characters with a close bond was easier because of their friendship, it also required careful attention to ensure that their performances didn’t feels forced or over-the-top. The director’s guidance again proved essential in striking the right balance.

Learning and Growing as Actors

Despite the challenges, both Thapthimthong and Manobal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow as actors. They credited their director with helping them refine their skills and stay focused on their characters. Manobal reflected on how the experience taught her the importance of staying present in the moment and fully embracing her character’s perspective. “It’s not just about memorizing lines,” she said. “It’s about understanding who your character is and how they navigate the world.”

Thapthimthong added that the experience also taught him the value of self-reflection and preparation. “Before each scene, I’d remind myself of where Gaitok was in the story and how he should react. It’s a lot of mental work, but it’s worth it when you see the final product.” Both actors agreed that the challenges they faced were worth it, as they learned valuable lessons about the craft of acting and the importance of staying true to their characters.

The Value of Collaboration and Support

Finally, Thapthimthong and Manobal emphasized the importance of collaboration and support in overcoming the challenges of acting. From their director’s guidance to their own commitment to understanding their characters, they recognized that acting is a team effort. Manobal also highlighted the importance of communication, especially when it comes to maintaining the right dynamics between characters. “It’s not just about what you do on your own, but how you work with others to create a believable story,” she said.

Their shared experience as singers turned actors serves as a reminder that transitioning to a new field is never easy, but with determination, support, and a willingness to learn, it can also be incredibly rewarding. For Thapthimthong and Manobal, the journey into acting was not just about stepping out of their comfort zones