The entertainment circle is full of sexy models and idols who are specially packaged to suit audiences’ tastes or bound by negative news. Among all the stars, has anyone noticed an artiste with potential, and is working hard silently?
Today, she continues to perform seriously and puts in all the effort she can
to put up the best performance. To her, this is just the beginning. To be the same on the surface and on the inside is the most difficult for an actor to achieve. What is even harder is that no matter physically or mentally, she can balance both for a healthy lifestyle.
Apart from understanding more about Leila’s sincerity, this interview also shares some positive attitudes about life and is definitely a worthy reference.
Q: There are so many different kinds of people that you meet in the entertainment circle. What kind of mood do you use to face them? Will there be any pressure facing these people?
A: Actually most of the cast and crew are very fun! The cast and crew seems to have endless energy, even when we stop filming, they can continue to jump around. And they are having fun themselves, enjoying this kind of lifestyle. Seeing their lives like that also made me very happy. Of course, everyone leads their life differently and you can’t control other people’s actions. The most important thing to remember is to keep to your own principles all the time. I believe we can find wealth in a lot of places, however when we lose these principles, you will not be happy even when you find the wealth.
Q: Have you ever tried being overly into a character, causing difficulties in getting out of it? Or are there any memorable scenes which you could not forget for days? How did you manage these emotions?
A: Recently, I took part in a film ‘A Very Short Life’ which is a movie adapation from a real life story about paedophilia. I play the child’s mother in the film and I had to cry non-stop everyday to bring this character alive. There were really big changes in my emotions.
Q: How did you find out more about this role?
A: As this role is something that I have never experienced before, I really need the director’s help a lot. He did lots of research prior to the filming of the movie, thus he will know more about this kind of experiences.
Luckily, the director had the filming schedule very well planned out and filmed the movie using a very tight schedule. I have a feeling that I just went through a very sad life and there was a period of time after that when I felt really sad and depressed. As the character’s situation is really tragic, I tried my best not to let myself continue with these emotions after filming. I believe I’m a very optimistic person.
Now I hope to present more of such stories to everyone, hoping that more people will know and understand such situations.
Q: You are usually playing those lively and bubbly characters on screen. Are there any differences with your usual lifestyle?
A: Actually I’m someone who is afraid of very noisy and packed environments. Sometimes there will be very big changes in my emotions while filming, thus i will try to remain calm and composed during the rest of my time. I will also try to make my life more harmonious and I am very satisfied with such a lifestyle. For example, I have a small vegetable garden at home and I will enjoy the harvesting feeling when i’m free. I am already very satisfied if I have such a life.
Actually I’m a very emotional person and my feelings are very easily influenced by others. I will cry whenever I watch those touching movies. As I watched Brad Pitt’s ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ yesterday, I had some feelings myself and was afraid that I would not be able to attend your interview today!
Q: There are more pressure in life for an artiste as compared to a normal person. Can you share some of your thoughts about relieving stress?
A: I will think about my dogs at the first thought. My mood will turn for the better once I’m with them.
Q: But they won’t talk to you?
A: Sometimes people in my line communicate too much to each other. When things get too complicated, i will want to tone down a little, to live a simple life. Just because they don’t talk, it makes it all the more comfortable spending time with them .
Q: Do you think pets can communicate with humans? Do you think your pets can understand your mood?
A: They definitely understand all about you! I think that everyone who has put in effort to keep a dog will definitely agree with me. Actually animals are very clever! It can feel if you are treating it sincerely.
Sometimes humans can be too calculative. For example, maybe if you satisfy my material needs, I will treat you better. This complicates things. On the other hand, animals only require the most basic needs. It will remember who brings them for a jog, who feeds them and if the person has the heart to do it. The time and effort that you put in is usually more important than the returns you get. This is also the reason why it’s simpler than communicating with another person and is also why I like them so much.
Q: When did you start to love dogs? Can you share any experiences when they made you happy or sad?
A: I started keeping dogs when I was three years old and it was a miniature shepherd. I still remember that I had pestered my mum and dad to let me keep a dog, but I never thought that the place where I used to live did not allow pets. Thus, I had to give it to a friend not long after. Many years later, I found out through the friend that it has passed away. When I knew about this, I felt really sad as I did not accompany her all the way. Keeping it till it was six years old is really not a short period of time! The only thankful thing is that I have not seen any of my pets leave me till now.
Q: Are there any memorable people or experiences which influenced your views and values?
A: If you are talking about a person, perhaps it would be my father. He is those kind of people who can handle anything as they come. On the other hand, my mum’s character is slightly more anxious. Just so nice that they are of different characters and it is quite interesting to observe the way they live with each other. Their life is also a part of mine. They did not purposely influence me but their attitudes towards life slowly became my role model.
Q: Up till now, what do you think is the most important and most cherished thing in your life?
A: Actually everything around me is equally important, and it is difficult to determine the value of something. I think it’s probably because I feel love at different places!
Q: (Asking others) Are there anything you want?
Mon (Leila’s Manager): I want health. Without health, I wouldn’t be able to achieve anything.
Credits: LEILA.T CONNECTED
Ada Choi appeared at the TVB anniversary press conference. She stated that since "The Gem of Life" was aired a long time ago, she feels her role would lose out in receiving the TV Queen award. However she would be happy just to participate at the ceremony. The reporter asked if she is confident that her good sister Sheren Tang will receive the award? She stated that Charmaine Sheh, Tavia Yeung and Teresa Mo are also her good sisters. She even joked that if she was forced to choose she would rather choose herself instead. She said "[The Gem Of Life] was filmed for about a year, my voice became really bad. Although people may feel that the series is the past, we indeed put in a lot of effort. As to who I see receiving Most improved actress, I have confidence that hot favourite Aimee Chan will be awarded.
