CNA interview: Pamelyn Chee: Me? 'Dao'?

Pamelyn Chee: Me? 'Dao'?

By Han Wei Chou |

Posted: 15 September 2010 1301 hrs

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The intrepid pair working the grill at a bah kwa retail store. -photo courtesy of A.I. Films.

SINGAPORE : The first time I met Singapore actress Pamelyn Chee was on the opening night of comedy show "Vlee Conference" at the club Zirca a couple of weeks ago.

I had wanted to introduce myself but only managed a sheepish wave as the "Your Hand in Mine" actress strode towards me, on her way to her table a little ways beyond mine.

As she drew closer, I felt she looked like the rather 'dao' (Hokkien for cold and unapproachable) sort so I quickly stopped waving and sat down to nurse my drink.

But when I met up with her and comedian Irene Ang last Saturday for an interview after their crash course in(barbecued pork) preparation for their upcoming movie "Perfect Rivals", I realised that I couldn't have been more mistaken.

"Yeah! I have been told that (she looked 'dao') a lot! Until they know me and then they realise [their mistake].

"Because what happens is that, fortunately - or unfortunately - I am blessed with small eyes. People with small eyes always seem to look fiercer, which is what all the photographers have been telling me," the Fly Entertainment artiste said with a jovial laugh.

I felt a little embarrassed about my earlier actions but found solace in the fact that I was not the only one.

Ang also felt that way when they first met at Fly Entertainment office.

"She is very poor thing, she always gets misunderstood.

"I remember the first time she was in the office, I asked my manager 'Who is this artiste, how come so rude'. But she was just sitting there quietly, you know," said Ang, eliciting a smile from Chee.

"Then when you get to know her, you really learn to appreciate her. I think it is very rare in the industry to find real people. It is refreshing."

So what is Chee actually like?

"She is a man!" blurted Ang without any hesitation.

"Yeah, I am actually a man," Chee mused.

After noticing that I was genuinely thinking about this possibility, Ang hastily clarified that Chee just has rather masculine interests like extreme sports, such as snowboarding, kickboxing, and jet skiing.

Chee revealed that she also loves her personal space and enjoys being alone, though she insists she is really quite sociable.

"I need to spend about 80 per cent of the time by myself actually. I don't like to hang around people a lot.

"Although, when I do hang out with them, I do enjoy their company, but I feel that my private space is very important."Alternative Chinese ComedyDrawing attention back to "Perfect Rivals", Chee said she was thrilled to be involved in her first Singaporean film.

She described the movie - about two feudingstores, and the families that run them - as "alternative Chinese comedy".

"I feel that in Singapore, humour has always been very stereotyped. As you know, Phua Chu Kang (titular character of local English sitcom) is very well received and there is (Singapore comedian and filmmaker) Jack Neo.

"But there is another kind of humour which I think will also do very well if given the chance. The quirky and almost unreal [sort]," said Chee.

Ang nodded in agreement.

Ang added that "Perfect Rivals", the first feature film produced by Fly Entertainment's subsidiary A.I. Films, will also be a quite a challenge for her.

The actress, who played the larger-than-life character Rosie in the hit sitcom "Phua Chu Kang", said it will take some work to play down her over-the-top, slapstick comedic style to fit the film's wry sense of humour.

Ang, who playsstore owner Mei Mei, went on to reveal that veteran TVB actor Ha Yu will play Chen Hao, her business rival and love interest.

Malaysian singer-actor Josh Lai along with "One Million Star" alumnus Stanly Xu play Chen's sons while Singapore actresses Chee and Mindee Ong round out the cast as Mei Mei's daughters who become involved with them.

Twenty minutes after we began the interview, Ang bade me farewell, informing me that she had to prepare for her "Vlee Conference" performance that night.

Chee left with her, but not before having the last word.

"Next time,will say hello toso you will know I am not 'dao'," said Chee with a giggle as she waved goodbye.- CNA