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Published on October 24, 2007

There's something bubbling up in Marsha Vadhanapanich's life. Things are always bubbling in Marsha's life, but this could be the big one. She may have found her soul.

"I've reached the highest point in my career," says the singer and actress who's been in the spotlight since she was 14, when she did some modelling and TV ads.

She's been in 19 movies and 12 TV drama series. Her last big-screen role, in "Faed" ("Alone"), won her the Best Actress honours this year at a Texas film festival that specialises in great but overlooked cinema.

There are those who say Marsha shot her career in the foot by marrying rocker Amphol Lamphoon, but they divorced years ago and she's moved on.

She's just recorded her 10th album, "Let's Have Fun Tonight", doubling as producer and splayed across the cover in a stunningly expensive outfit, and insists, "I know what I want now."

It's disco music - dramatic songs geared to the third sex and a bit of nastiness that resonates from a busted heart. One of the singles is "Puchai Chua" ("Men are Scum"), though Marsha insists it's not "about" her.

"Today's women are smarter and can do everything by themselves, so men aren't gentlemen anymore," she says, while acknowledging at the same time that, "Sometimes women fool men, too."

It's one side of her maturation. Another is a growing spiritual awareness. She's dissatisfied with the "earthly life", and as much as she loves to sing, prayer means more to her now.

"If I was going to die, I probably wouldn't sing - not that I'm against singing - I'd rather pray so that I end up in better circumstances next time, with better parents … in a better place so that I can finally achieve nirvana."

As a girl Marsha ran away from home. Then when she was 16 her sister died, and she says nothing has ever hit her so hard. Having enjoyed much happiness as well, she believes there must be a better way to exist than in an unending cycle of up and down emotions.

She's currently reading a book on science and religion by Som Sujira, "Einstein Discovers, Buddha Sees", which she calls a revelation. She's hoping that this kind of study will broaden her perspective and help her rise above life's crazy digital spin. Nightlife, needless to say, no longer appeals. "It's boring and unhealthy." She'd rather travel abroad.

More spiritual, yes, but Marsha laughs about the impracticality of getting preachy on her album. The first single, "Rag Yang Mai Tong Karn" ("Love Can Wait"), portrays her as a devilish woman who shuns a man in favour of - that's right - just having fun.

Six questions, decent answers

1 If you weren't a singer what would you be?

An artist or teacher in a developing country.

2 What do you think of motherhood?

I have boundaries when it comes to kids. I love them, but there are times when I need my own space.

3 How do you take care of yourself?

I exercise for an hour or two every day or every other day. I don't usually eat meat, but I have times when I allow myself to eat anything I like.

4 What do you always carry with you?

A small bottle of cologne.

5 Where is your favourite place to shop?

Milan - all the best clothes are there. In Thailand everything looks old-fashioned.

6 Why is it easier for men to achieve nirvana?

I think women have more kilesa [impurity] than men. A man can get rid of that easier than a woman.

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

 The Nation