Due to Zhao Benshan's unexpected illness, the wrap-up time of "Country Love 3" was delayed. After nearly four months of filming, the show was successfully completed, and the production team held a wrap-up ceremony at the shooting location of Kaiyuan yesterday. At the wrap-up ceremony, Zhao Benshan, who had just recovered from a serious illness, accepted interviews from the media, repeatedly expressing his cherishing of life and gratitude to those who cared about him. Regarding the Spring Festival Gala issue that everyone is most concerned about, Zhao Benshan said he would go to Beijing within "the next one or two days" to participate in the creation of the skit. As for whether he could personally perform on the Spring Festival Gala, it would depend on his physical condition.
On the subject of life, Zhao Benshan emphasized the importance of living well: "Live well, if someone asks me now how much money I can make, I will feel that this question means far less to me than asking how many friends I have, which moves me more." According to Zhao's statement, he does not currently plan to shoot "Country Love 4", and his next project is joining Wong Kar-wai's "The Grandmaster" production team. It is said that this time he will not only bring several apprentices to act but also take 20 students from Ben Shan Art College as extras.
When answering reporters' questions, Zhao Benshan changed from his usual humorous and witty style to an emotional approach after his serious illness. "This can be considered a struggle in my life," Zhao said when talking about his unexpected illness. Additionally, he revealed that he had experienced a car accident before, but that kind of danger was only instantaneous, whereas this time the pain lasted longer. "Because I almost lost it, I cherish it even more, there's a feeling of having escaped death." Zhao Benshan deeply expressed that he now values life very much and is grateful to those who care about him, "During my illness, I really felt the warmth from all aspects of society. Sometimes I think, I am just an actor from the countryside, yet I received so much care from so many people, it truly makes me feel warm." The reporters present clearly felt the impact of this illness on Zhao Benshan. Zhao Benshan said that the only thing he could do now was to produce more high-quality TV dramas and films, "Live well, if someone asks me now how much money I can make, I will feel that this question means far less to me than asking how many friends I have, which moves me more." It is reported that Zhao Benshan will review his health recovery situation on New Year's Day.
Regarding the Spring Festival Gala, everything is still uncertain: "Everything is still unclear, and my current health is not good, I haven't fully recovered yet, talking too much makes me dizzy. In my current state, I probably can't appear on the Spring Festival Gala."
As the Spring Festival approaches, CCTV's Spring Festival Gala has begun intensive final preparations. The first round of reviews for small skits was conducted recently, with the second review scheduled for the 11th of this month. As the King of Skits, whether Zhao Benshan, who has just recovered from a serious illness, can appear on this year's Spring Festival Gala has become a hotly debated topic among the public. Some comments suggest that after Xiao Shenyang became famous through the Spring Festival Gala, this is the best opportunity for Zhao Benshan to bid farewell to the Spring Festival Gala stage. Moreover, "Zhao Benshan directing from behind the scenes while his apprentices perform on stage" could also be an effective way to introduce new comedic stars.
Will Uncle Benshan appear on the Spring Festival Gala? "I will go to Beijing in the next day or two," Zhao Benshan said that he is about to go to Beijing to engage in the creation of the Spring Festival Gala skit. But once the script was mentioned, Zhao Benshan clearly showed some distress, "Everything is still unclear, and my current health is not good, I haven't fully recovered yet, talking too much makes me dizzy." Unexpectedly, Zhao suddenly added, "In my current state, I won't be able to appear on the Spring Festival Gala." He didn't stop there; then his attitude did a 180-degree turn, saying he would actively recuperate, and if he recovers well, appearing on the Spring Festival Gala wouldn't be a problem.
Some say Zhao Benshan will resolve the skit issues within 10 days, but he doesn't agree with this view, "That can't happen, the Spring Festival Gala is exhausting, especially in the last month, the pressure is immense, but I will do my utmost effort." As for his partner on the Spring Festival Gala, Zhao Benshan continues to strongly support his disciples, indicating it might be students like Wang Xiaoli or Wang Xiaohu, but it could also be someone else because "they are all very talented." Regarding Xiao Shenyang, Zhao Benshan hopes he can independently carry the load and perform on the Spring Festival Gala by himself.