Tep Rindaro

One of the most renowned Cambodian actors is Tep Rindaro. With a career spanning two decades, he is still as popular today as when he started acting in 1989. Tep Rindaro enjoyed watching movies throughout his childhood in Battambang province. While being an entertainer was his dream, his parents wanted him to be a doctor. Just as he was starting college, he was sent to do hard labor for the Khmer Rouge. His father and several family members were killed, making Tep Rindaro the head of his extended family. After surviving the Khmer Rouge era, he studied airplane mechanics in Russia. He then worked for the National Air Force. The military sent him to the airport in Dongnay, Vietnam, where the Cambodian military kept its aircraft. It was Mr. Mong Kachelle (Soly Vanndo Film Production), who first cast Tep Rindaro in the starring role of Tuk Pnek Som Ngat Knong Ratrey Por Svao (Secret Tears in Purple Nights). Soon after, he starred with Ms. Ampor Tevy, in the movie, At Kom Bang Kech Soniya (Secret Promise). Cambodia couldn't get enough of the famous on-screen couple. They continued making several movies together for the next ten years. Throughout his career, Tep Rindaro has worked with honorable directors and actors. He starred in Cha_ Ong Ondet (Floating Bones) by H.E. Mao Ayuth, and some of the films by King Father Norodom Sihanouk. More recently, he co-starred with the legendary, Dy Saveth. Tep Rindaro starred in a leading role of the television serial drama, Airwaves, produced by Khmer Mekong Films. In 1994, he traveled to the USA with several other actors. They were a huge success, and some of them stayed in America. Tep Rindaro chose to return home to Cambodia and continue his acting where he was needed. In addition to movies, Tep Rindaro can be seen in numerous karaoke videos and occasionally in stage productions, such as the well-received Boramey Angkor at historic Angkor Wat, where he starred as the French explorer, Henri Mouhot. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts awarded Tep Rindaro a Certificate of Appreciation presented by Princess Norodom Bopha Devi in 2005. His devotion to the cinema industry has earned recognition from many people including King Norodom Sihamoni, who granted him the title, Sina Mony Sophon.