Currently airing Thai series I’m The Most Beautiful Count, starring Nut Supanut Lourhaphanich and Ping Orbnithi Leelavetchabutr, is a journey of self-discovery wrapped in perfectly timed humour. 

Adapted from the webtoon Chan Ni Lae Than Khun Thi Suai Thi Sut Nai Siam by Yuen Kin Pakka Thi Than Phra, the series follows Prince – essayed by Nut Supanut in a dual role – a queer superstar of the 21st century who abruptly finds himself waking up in the past as a closeted nobleman named Khun Woradet in the Thongburi Kingdom. What follows is Prince’s attempt to unravel the mystery behind Woradet’s apparent suicide while contending with the attention of a skilled but exiled warrior of  Mom Kosol, played by Ping Orbnithi. 

Speaking of what excited them about the series, Nut says, “What excites me is living in another world through a character. The challenge is letting go of myself and fully embracing them,” with Ping adding that the role is one he has desired to do for a while. He says, ”I have been waiting for this, and that wait was very challenging for me. I had to work so hard to be here, but it was still fun. Of course, it was also my first time being the main character, so I have tried my best with my partner.” 

On the flip side, both actors also overcame challenges to perfect their roles. While the challenges were more physical for Ping, whose role was more action-oriented, for Nut, it was more introspective, as he elaborates, “Emotional scenes were hardest. I handled them by breathing, surrendering, and being honest with my feelings.” 

Challenges like these have only bettered them as actors, offering both Ping and Nut the chance to further enhanced their skills. Nut says, “Running in high heels on grass was funny, but it also taught me to stand confidently no matter the ground.” 

For Ping, who was previously an athlete, he was able to draw on his sense of discipline, positivity, and confidence for his role. He explains, “I found that Kosol was very attractive as a Thai warrior. So I woke up and went to the gym to gain more weight. I also had the chance to practice to be a swordsman and to ride a horse, it was not easy because I have never done it before, but I learnt to calm myself down. I told myself to just believe in myself and be more confident about communicating with the audience.” 

Filmed in incredible yet demanding locations, the show brings its characters to life through a balance of creative freedom and dedicated portrayal. The settings played an important role, with Ping explaining, “Location and production were among the hardest parts. We had to have more patience to finish this filming,” and Nut adding, “The crew is like a family. Their passion and teamwork gave this project its heartbeat.”

In addition to the locations, bringing their own distinct identities to the characters also gave them more layers. Reflecting on getting into characters and what parts of their personalities they brought to their roles, Ping admits that understanding Kosol’s character was not easy, saying, “When I started reading the novel, I was learning about the past of Kosol. He was the one who had to carry something alone. He had something to hide inside. I had to understand, and finally I believe that I understood Kosol’s thoughts.”

Meanwhile, for Nut, who had to portray both the well-mannered Woradet and the sassy Prince, the process was about connecting to different facets of himself. He says, “Prince connects to me in confidence, self-expression, and using art as my voice;  it’s all about movement and attitude. For Voradej, it’s about channeling deeper emotions.”

A show that’s been praised for its mix of humour, action, and underlying messages of self-acceptance, I’m The Most Beautiful Count, is undoubtedly an entertaining watch, but beyond that, it’s a union of hard work, talent, and above all, gratitude for the fans. 

Asked why people should be tuning in to watch the series, Nut says, “When you watch my work, you see more than acting; you see fragments of who I really am.” 

So tune in to catch not just an intriguing story but the growth of two actors: Ping, who has put his all into his first time as a main character, and Nut, who shines bright as he unravels new layers of his work and himself. 

I’m The Most Beautiful Count – which also stars Pop Pataraphol Wanlopsiri, Lee Asre Watthanayakul, Aton Thanakorn Techawicha, and Belle Jiratchaya Kittavornsakul – premiered on August 1 and airs every Friday.

Written and interviewed by Malvika Padin

Featured image © CHANGE2561

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