The first images caused a stir for the comeback of a talented leading actress. "Jui Warattaya" who returns to the movie screen after nearly eight years with a new film. "Khun Yai Woranat" from GDH. For this role, Jui fully committed to authenticity, shaving her head to portray the character of 'Mae Chi Saengboon,' greatly surprising her fans.
Recently, at the press conference for “EndoliftX Mission Possible” held in Ballroom 1-3 on the 4th floor of CONRAD Hotel on Witthayu Road, Jui opened up about this.
Did you keep this hairstyle a secret?
“I shaved my head on March 6, so it’s been over five months. When people saw me with a bob, wearing scarves, or my hair tied up, it was all wigs. They looked very natural, and clients and others were amazed. No one knew I had taken this role. I didn’t want to deceive anyone; it was a film project that had to be kept secret. The director wanted me to reveal it at the right time.”
Did you decide to shave your head just for this role?
“Initially, I planned to return to acting when my child was around 7 or 8 years old, so I didn’t expect to come back so soon. But the project was perfect in every way, and all the actors were wonderful to work with. It was an important project, so I decided to join. Before accepting, I told director Pong that I’d answer the next day after consulting my husband.
I wasn’t sure how he’d feel about me shaving my head or how long it would take to grow back. He immediately said, ‘Go ahead! Why wait, Mom? The role is interesting.’ He gave me full support.”
It was surprising that your husband supported it. You have to consider his feelings first, as you'll be bald for a long time and have no eyebrows. Did he accept this? What about your children? At first, I was worried because my son prefers long-haired women and those who are beautiful. On the day I shaved, I had him beside me so he could see every step and see me wearing wigs and hats to school every day. We made sure no one knew I had shaved my head.”
Was shaving your head a mandatory condition for accepting the role?
“Director Pong explained that my character required a shaved head. Nowadays, wigs look very natural, but not natural enough for a film aiming for international festivals like Toronto. For a film aiming for global recognition, shaving was essential to keep it authentic.”
How did you feel when you saw yourself bald?
“Many people came to encourage me and said it looked cool, which lifted my spirits. I was worried if I would look good or awkward since I’d never shaved before. But I liked it. I even chose an auspicious day to shave after consulting my monk teacher. I wrapped my hair in banana leaves and floated it down the Chao Phraya River while chanting, as a symbolic ordination before shaving.”
Actually, shaving was second on my mind; the first was weight loss. My child had just been weaned, and I still carried about ten extra kilos, so I had to seriously lose weight. I lost 10 kilograms in two months.
Some wondered if I had cosmetic tattoos for eyebrows—I didn’t. I managed my diet carefully, eating oil-free meals, unseasoned food, and balanced hormones. I wanted to lose weight healthily. Director Pong praised how quickly I lost it, and my husband admired my discipline. I weighed my food before every meal: 100 grams of meat and two 8-ounce servings of vegetables, all unseasoned.”
Do you want this role to be a masterpiece?
“Not to that extent. Director Pong said that a slim nun would look very cool. He didn’t specify how much weight I should lose, just that phrase, which became my key motivation.”
Do you have to keep this hairstyle until the film is released?
“My hair grows very fast. During filming, I had to shave my head daily. I even asked if I could take clippers home to shave myself. I shaved myself, and my husband helped me, so I wouldn’t have to wash my hair at the set every time because washing and drying was inconvenient, and some locations didn’t have suitable bathrooms.”
Did your husband say you looked handsome, and your children say you looked cool?
“My child said, ‘Mom, you look cool,’ so I said, ‘Mom is beautiful and cool, right?’ My husband said, ‘Handsome and cool.’ We brought our child to the set once since it was near school. My husband picked him up, but I told him not to come close because my child was scared. We slowly explained it was acting and a fictional role.”
How long will you keep this hairstyle?
“I’m fond of it, so I’ll keep it for now. Many people have sent blessings, so I clarify that I’m not ordained; it’s just for the film. Since the film went to the Toronto Film Festival and released teasers, I could finally reveal it in August. It was a relief because I felt very hot wearing wigs from morning until night, which was uncomfortable and gave me headaches. I hope everyone watches it. This film deserves to earn one billion baht.”
Regarding your chicken farm, do celebrity friends come to learn, and do fans ask to buy eggs?
“Everyone is welcome to visit the farm. We raise chickens naturally and organically. Our chickens are happy and safe from snakes and dogs. Many people have contacted me to buy eggs. We sell about six trays daily to groups of mothers and close friends. When we have extra, we like to share.”
Do you plan to expand the farm into a serious business?
“My husband has ordered expansion because demand exceeds supply. We still manage it closely. Usually, we sell eggs along with vegetables from the garden. We don’t do this for profit but just to cover the chicken feed costs.”
People comment that this is true wealth, having your own food source.
“Indeed. Gardening brings more happiness to my husband, and it gives the children a place to learn. Sometimes, they invite friends to do activities at the garden, where they get close to nature and run on the grass. It helps foster their development and brain potential, so it was a good decision.”
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