ON A RATHER SUNNY Thursday afternoon, I am making my way to meet one of the hottest stars in Southeast Asia. In the back of my mind, I anxiously recall my questions as his image replays over and over again. A particular scene sticks with me: his stoic face as he walks into a funeral, draped in a neatly tailored suit with a slicked back man bun, a tight-lined lip and piercing eyes. Even through his cold gaze, he exudes an aura that commands the room’s attention – the true depiction of a billionaire mafia’s son.
Yet, when I knock on the door, that is hardly the person I am about to be introduced to.
That aforementioned scene from F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers took the drama scene (and many hearts) by storm. With a line-up of four dashing young men with distinctive charismas, it is a romance series that many still swoon over two years after its premiere. It spelled Nani Hirunkit Changkham’s stellar debut as an actor, whom many remember as the smug and flirtatious mood-maker MJ.
Upon our introductions, I am struck by how quiet and humble Nani is. Unlike his onscreen persona, he is more reserved in real life. He offers a kind smile and a polite greeting, a stark contrast to what I imagined he would be like. It caught me off-guard, his gentle demeanour refreshing to see for a celebrity who has amassed such popularity internationally.
Our conversations are relaxed and casual, almost as if I am talking to an acquaintance I met through a mutual friend. He reminds me of that silent classmate that sits in the back of a classroom, someone who you probably will not notice or talk to on a daily basis, but will always offer a helping hand when in need. He has this subtle charisma that just draws people in, all eyes focused on him the moment he speaks.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
PARADISE FOUD
It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).
Sunday Island Mornings
An island cluster so beautiful that Harry Winston made a watch in its honour.
A Clear Vision Of The Future
With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.
THE MAN OF MANY TASTES
On the opening day of his longgestating contemporary Italian restaurant Le Pristine in Singapore, the Esteemed chef Sergio Herman gives us a poignant account of why his philosophy of gastronomy is fundamentally inclusive.
BAPTISM BY FIRE
Dave Pynt, Chef-Owner of the Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, reflects on the universally resounding success of the eponymous restaurant as well as the recently released book of the same name.
VROOM VROOM
One of the most memorable moments of the recently concluded Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 was when Jack Daniel's and McLaren linked arms.
FORGED IN RED
The Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Cortina Limited Edition brings H. Moser & Cie and Cortina Watch together in a bold, exclusive creation for the ages.
