The joy of Jam

Neko Jump singer turns actress

By Sukrit Khaepimpan
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Since 2006, Charattha Imraporn (Jam) has been known as a member of Neko Jump, the pop duo she formed with her sister Noey. During a break from music, the 26-year-old singer got first-hand experience of acting in Channel 8’s 2013 comedy, Wi Wa Pa Cha Taek (Haunted House). In her latest TV drama, Su Phap Bu Root Satan (Evil Gentleman), Jam plays Phandow, a girl who’s jealous of her brother’s girlfriend because she’s very attached to him.

Student Weekly recently met up with Jam at Channel 8. The pretty singer told us about her acting experiences.

Student Weekly: When did you become interested in acting?

Jam: I’d never thought about being in a drama before, but after Channel 8 was set up by RS, its executives told me to attend an audition because my personality was right for a character in Haunted House. I thought it would be good to try something new.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about acting?

Jam: I like it. It’s fun and I meet new people. The experience expanded my world. As a singer, I used to meet only other singers. Acting allows me to meet various kinds of people of different ages like producers, actors and other crew on set.

Student Weekly: Is acting difficult?

Jam: The first drama was difficult because I was new. The director complained about my acting every day, but I still had fun since it was a new experience. It expanded my skills. Acting has its charms.

Student Weekly: Which is more challenging, singing or acting?

Jam: They’re different. For singing, the challenge is how to grab an audiences’ attention while we perform. We have to make them sing along and not leave the show. Acting is tough because I have to work with many people. If I’m not prepared or I can’t act, there will be a lot of pressure because I delay everybody else. I have to be responsible.

Student Weekly: Do you miss Noey?

Jam: No. At first, I was worried because we were always together, but working on set wasn’t as scary as I thought. I interacted with people and got close to them. If I miss Noey, we can talk on the phone.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about having only small roles?

Jam: I’m happy with my parts. I don’t expect to play a leading role, and every character is important. A TV series won’t be complete if it lacks even one character. It doesn’t matter what kind of role I have, I will do my best.

Student Weekly: Is Phandow different from your other characters?

Jam: All the characters I’ve played are well-mannered, but different in details. Phandow is close to her brother, so she feels insecure when he has a girlfriend. She’s miserable, cries a lot and often threatens suicide. However, her personality develops and she can finally stand up by herself.

Student Weekly: How did you deal with the crying scenes?

Jam: I didn’t like seeing other actors using artificial tears. I practiced a lot until I could cry naturally. I had to get emotional as fast as I could. It requires a lot of concentration.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about melodramas?

Jam: Melodramas are Thai style. It’s what Thai viewers like, even though characters seem to be exaggerated. But there are reasons behind the actions of each character. I personally think melodramas are fun because in my real life, I won’t have a chance to do anything like what happens in the show.

Student Weekly: What kind of role would you like to try?

Jam: I want to play a bad girl, but not seriously bad or causing dramatic scenes. I like bad characters that are sassy and pretentious, but funny. I think this kind of character would be fun.

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