EXCLUSIVE: 'Love Destiny' star Pope Thanavat says he's not romantic in real-life

Pope, who has starred in various romance dramas, says he tends to be more shy in reality. Photos: Handout

While popular Thai actor Pope Thanavat may have set viewers’ hearts aflutter playing various romantic roles over the years, he’s not so sure if he can do the same in real life.

“In real life, I have to say that I’m not a romantic person, even though I have acted on so many romantic dramas. I’m like an ordinary person, ” he says candidly in an exclusive interview with StarLifestyle.

“The most romantic thing that I have done was draw a picture for my special someone to surprise her.

“I did that when I was a lot younger. I never do such things anymore now. I think I’m pretty shy and I’m not a romantic guy.”

The 37-year-old is best known for playing the male lead in the 2018 historical drama Love Destiny.

The story about a modern-day history student traveling back in time to the Ayutthaya Kingdom and finding herself inside the body of a noblewoman became a phenomenon both in and out of Thailand.

“I’m so impressed and proud that our TV series became successful not only in Thailand but also internationally.

“I think the reason for its success is because all the various elements came together perfectly, whether it’s the actors, director, the crew, costume and the setup, ” he reflects on the show’s popularity.

“These elements made people believe that they are really watching the story from that moment in time, which created an immersive experience for the audience. The story itself is also entertaining and heartwarming. It’s a series that the whole family can watch together.”

Thai time-travel drama 'Love Destiny' became a huge phenomenon in 2018, both in and out of Thailand.

Indeed, Love Destiny appeals to viewers across all ages. “I’m surprised to find that some of my fans are small children. I guess they watch the show with their parents. When they see me on the streets, they will call me by name and run to give me a hug.

“They even come to join my activities. But I get pretty worried for them because these events can get very crowded and they might get hurt, ” he says.

For those who miss seeing Pope and his Love Destiny co-star Ranee Campen, there’s good news! The two have reunited for a new series, Deceitful Love.

Pope plays a lawyer, Ramin, who crosses paths with a childhood friend, Pitcha (Renee), who is looking to divorce her playboy husband. While helping Pitcha with her divorce procedure, Ramin falls for her. But can Pitcha open her heart and learn to trust again?

“I’m glad to be able to have the chance to work with her again. We became close friends after Love Destiny. So I feel comfortable working with her, ” Pope talks about collaborating with Ranee again. He adds he didn’t feel the pressure of having to achieve the same level of success as Love Destiny.

He was a graphic designer before switching to acting.

Biggest challenge

Pope, who was born in Bangkok, also touches on his difficult career beginnings. In 2006, he joined a talent contest. The grand prize, which he won, afforded him the opportunity to be the lead actor of the drama, Poo Chana Sip Tit.

“Before I joined a talent contest, I was a graphic designer. At that time, a lot of talent scouts approached me to work in the entertainment industry, so it sparked an idea in me that I should give it a shot, ” he recalls his motivation for quitting his steady job to pursue acting.

“Plus, I love watching movies, so I felt like it would be great if I could be on screen. Back then, before social media became such a powerful tool, TV was the only way for anyone who wants to be in this industry.”

He continues: “When I joined the talent contest, my love for this career grew even more. I had the chance to attend acting classes by Patravadi Mejudhon (also known as Kru Lek), who is a guru when it comes to performing arts in Thailand.

“I made lots of friends. We had such a great time. So I became determined to be a professional actor.”

Unfortunately, the drama he was supposed to star in after his win, never came to fruition. “At that time, I hoped that I would become an actor soon, but suddenly the show was cancelled.

“I was so sad and disappointed. It was the biggest challenge in my life. I had no idea if I would ever be a successful actor. The only thing I knew was I couldn’t even pass the starting point.”

Thankfully, the actor didn’t give up and dug his heels in. “It’s the belief that if I just did my best and kept going, I can be successful one day, ” he shares why he didn’t throw in the towel in the face of adversity.

“I kept learning, practising and I took every opportunity to get better. Finally, here I am today as an actor. And I’m proud of every role I’ve been given.”

Pope also speaks about another role he inhabited for a while in real life – a monk. In Thailand, it is fairly common for young men to enrol in a monastery for a short period of time.

“I decided to be a monk because I’m a Buddhist, and I wanted to do it for my mother and for myself too. I want to learn what the Buddhist principles are, ” he remembers his decision.

The actor says the spiritual experience taught him one unforgettable lesson: “The most important thing for me is learning to stay conscious about everything I do.”

Love Destiny and Deceitful Love are available on Dimsum Entertainment.