A Star Returns

Dai Xiangyu, The Ex-mediacorp Leading Man, On How The Local Acting Scene Taught Him To Survive China's Fierce Entertainment Industry. By Ng Yi Lian

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Formerly known as Dai Yangtian, Dai Xiangyu moved to Singapore in 2007 after he was discovered by a talent scout in Shanghai in 2006. His first accommodation, he said, was a helper's room in a Thomson Road condominium. Looking at our widened eyes, he smiled, "I was in my early 20s and did not have much money and the rent was really high at $800 per month; I lived like that for two years. Most people assume actors have lots of money, but that is definitely not the case when you are a newcomer. It never bothered me and I was just happy to have a safe and comfortable bed to come home to after long days of work."

The 38-year-old's disarming humility and straightforward personality did exactly that from the beginning of our interview: disarm. While not necessarily politically correct, his candid answers were refreshing and he did not shy away from any of the questions posed. He also made it clear to the hair and makeup artist from the beginning that she had free rein with his hair and face.