Drama actor Pu Cunxin says he never wants to be the first

A famed Chinese actor has delieverd a lecture in Stockholm as part of the "Discovering China" cultural exchange program currently underway in the Swedish capital.

Pu Cunxin is a first-time visitor to Sweden.

He says he feels privilaged to be able to visit Stockholm and deliver a speech as part of the broader cultural exchange.

"Cultural exchanges have been expanded more broadly than ever due to the improvement of China's comprehensive strength and the demand from overseas Chinese and foreign counterparts all over the world. "

Pu Cunxin delivers a speech in Stockholm, Sweden, May 22, 2017. [Photo: Chen Xuefei]

Many consider the life of an actor as a one of privilage.

However, life has not always been easy for Pu Cunxin.

A lack of vaccinations in China at the time led to Pu Cunxin contracting polio at the age of 2.

At the age of 9, he underwent surgery to correct the walking imbalance the crippling disease left him with.

After extensive rehabilitation, Pu Cunxin has since become one of the more handsome men ever to take to the stage in China.

Despite his good looks, his early struggles have left Pu Cunxin a modest man.

He was, however, born into the theatre.

His father was a member of the People's Arts Theatre in Beijing.

From the age of 10, Pu Cunxin began reading numerous books to try to get a better understanding of humanity.

But later on, duty to his country became his calling.

At 16-year old, he joined a military compound in Heilongjiang.

Four-years later though, the arts called to him once again.

After returning to Beijing, he joined the People's Arts Theatre his father had been at before him.

And despite becoming one of the best known dramatic stage actors in China since then, Pu Cunxin has maintained a humble attitude.

"I have never thought of being number one. I dare not, as this is not part of my character, this was decided by my experience. I have a motto, which is to seek to do the best, but be content to be second."

Pu Cunxin poses for a picture in Stockholm, Sweden, May 22, 2017. [Photo: Chen Xuefei]

The 64-year old Pu Cunxin remains a presence on the Chinese stage, he continues to give back as well.

In 2002, he was given a major award for his work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in China's rural areas.

For CRI, Chen Xuefei, Stockholm.