Sohu reports that the film Fengshen Part 1: Yao Luan Tzu Guo has topped the box office for 10 consecutive days, earning 1.6 billion yuan (approximately 223 million USD). In this film, the lead role of Daji is played by the 1997-born actress Na Nihan Naran, who has taken China by storm.
According to Sohu, when the trailer for Fengshen Part 1 was released, Na Nihan became a trending topic. Despite lacking prior acting experience and being relatively young, she was entrusted with the pivotal role of Daji. Daji is a well-known character in Chinese culture, often portrayed by many successful actresses such as Angela Baby, Fan Bingbing, and Zhao Liying. As a result, Na Nihan faces significant pressure to live up to the legacy of these iconic portrayals.
However, Na Nihan’s striking looks and unique persona have garnered her a reputation, turning her into a “hakimi” (a term indicating popularity) among Chinese audiences. Her fame has skyrocketed across social media platforms, and her portrayal in the film has received high praise from viewers.
Experts say that Na Nihan’s portrayal of Daji is very distinctive. While many actresses tend to emphasize the “feminine” side of Daji, showcasing various nuances and complexities, Na Nihan presents a more straightforward and fierce interpretation, breaking the mold of traditional portrayals.
Na Nihan’s looks as Daji portray a striking blend of allure and power, setting her apart from previous interpretations of the character. Her chemistry with the older actor, 37-year-old Li Yifeng (who plays King Zhou), has also drawn public acclaim.
Alongside her performance, the portrayal of Daji’s dark and mysterious aura, coupled with the impressive soundtrack by composer Ba Ake Khao, has been a highlight of the film. Na Nihan shared that the 2-minute scene onscreen was developed over two years, during which she trained intensively in various styles, including classical, modern, and ethnic dance. The character of Daji, at times, has long hair, which required the actress to train extensively to move gracefully and convincingly portray the character’s supernatural essence.
Additionally, Na Nihan has shared that she participated in a six-month specialized training course focused on dance, along with martial arts techniques, alongside male co-stars. Along with portraying Daji, the 1997-born actress also had to learn standard Mandarin pronunciation, along with mastering the character’s unique traits.
Her dedication and willingness to sacrifice for her role over the past 2-3 years have endeared her to audiences even more.
Before her breakthrough role, Na Nihan Naran (Russian name: Narana Erdyneeva) was a model active in Hong Kong, China, standing at 1.73 meters tall. She possesses a mixed heritage of Mongolian and Russian descent, which gives her a captivating blend of Eastern and Western features.
Na Nihan first caught public attention in 2016 when she became the lead in the music video Bong Bong Tinh by Chau Kiet Luan. However, she primarily focused on her modeling career and has garnered several high-profile endorsements. She previously dated the actor Phong To Dan, son of the renowned Thanh Long.
