Piseth Pilika (1965–1999)
Piseth Pilika (1965–1999)
Cambodian actress, traditional dancer and singer. Name variations: Piseth Pelika or Peaklica. Born Oak Eap Pili, 1965, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; died of her wounds, July 13, 1999; dau. of Oak Harl (professor at University of Korokosol) and Meng Mony (both parents were killed during the regime of the Khmer Rouge); raised by uncle and aunt, Sao Piseth and Meng Sonali, and changed name to Sao Pili; trained in the Cambodian cultural dance at School of Fine Arts (1980–88); m. Khai Praseth, also seen as Kie Vaseth (actor), 1990 (div. 1998); children: Kai Seth Lesak.
Popular entertainer, revered in Cambodia, came to prominence with her performance in King Norodom Sihanouk film Sromorl Anthakal (Shadow of Darkness, 1988); changed her name to Piseth Pilika (1980); appeared with husband in many films and music videos; starred in more than 60 films and appeared on stage; was also a dancing star of the royal ballet of Cambodia; was gunned down execution-style in broad daylight on a Phnom Penh street (July 6, 1999); mourned by the nation, as Cambodians blared her music from their homes and crowded the grounds of Phnom Penh University's School of Fine Arts where she was lying in state. It was later reported that her diary related her relationship with Prime Minister Hun Sen and her fears that his wife, Bun Rany, was planning to kill her.