Elite Artist Hoai Linh opened a 500sq.m shrine in HCM City’s District 9 on September 11 dedicated to the founders of Vietnam's theatrical arts.

Linh, a Vietnamese actor and comedian, who moved to the US in 1993 when he was 24 years old, returned to the country about five years ago.

Attending the opening ceremony were renowned artists, including Ut Bach Lan, Le Thuy and VuLinh, among others.

Actor Gia Bao said that the shrine was carefully designed, demonstrating how much hard work Linh had put into creating it as well as his respect for the founders.

“I can feel the sacred atmosphere here,” Bao said.

Linh said he would maintain the shrine and welcome fellow artists who want to gather there and worship the founders.

He said the shrine was expected to contribute to the district’s tourism development.

Rumours had swirled around the construction of the shrine for years, as it had reportedly cost Linh hundreds of billions of VND.

However, Linh has declined to disclose the amount. He said that he worked hard to save up money to build a shrine to communicate his piety toward the founders.

Earlier this year, construction of the shrine was suspended over regulatory violations, but Linh’s agent paid the fine. The shrine was then finished according to the authorities’ rules. 

VNS/Zing