Flying high again
TriumphinTheSkies2 takes off to startling results, with Cheung Chi Lam in the pilot’s seat ... literally.
The phone just won’t stop ringing for hong Kong heartthrob Cheung Chi Lam now that his popularity is soaring sky high with his portrayal of suave playboy pilot Captain Jayden aka Captain Cool from TVB’s Triumph In The Skies 2.
Commenting on the success of the 43-episode TVB drama in a phone interview from hong Kong, Cheung said, “It’s great that Triumph In The Skies 2 has performed far beyond expectations, plus, Captain Cool is receiving so much love from TV viewers. All that has resulted in more promotional activities and I’m glad to take this opportunity to meet with followers of the series from different countries.”
Jetting around the world to promote the series, Cheung’s next stop will be Malaysia, where he will be staging his “Chi Lam & Friends Live in Genting” show tomorrow. he will be accompanied by fellow Triumph In The Skies co-stars Law Chung-him, Nancy Wu and Sharon Chan. And, glamorous hong Kong pop vocalist Suzan Guterres (better known as Suzan G) will be joining them as guest artiste.
Cheung’s Captain Cool is also a strong contender at both the TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013 on Sunday and the 2013 TVB Anniversary Awards in hong Kong on Dec 16. In fact, Cheung is tipped to win the TVB King title this year, which sees stiff competition from three-time (2009, 2010, 2012) TVB best actor Wayne Lai , 2007 TVB best actor Moses Chan and fellow Triumph In The Skies 2 co-star Francis Ng, among others.
When asked about his chances, the 42-year-old expressed, “I’m happy to just be able to take time out to participate in any award show. When it comes to awards, everything depends on the viewers. So, I’m just hoping for continued support from everyone.”
The smash hit TVB series aside, the dashing hong Kong star has filmed four very different movies released this year: war actioner Just DotA, swordplay thriller The Fox Lover, romantic comedy Born To Love You, and action biopic The Grandmaster, which recently won five awards at Taiwan’s 50th Golden horse Awards.
Also, Cheung received VIP treatment in September when he signed with new management company China 3D Digital entertainment and renewed his music contract with former record label Star entertainment. With that, we’ll see an album, a solo concert at hong Kong’s Coliseum, a new mainland TV series and two movies, including a film version of Triumph In The Skies.
Formerly known as Julian Cheung, the singer-actor, who now goes by his moniker Chilam, had made his showbiz debut as a singer in 1991. hence, he looked forward to spending more time developing his music career with projects that are close to his heart.
“Next year, I foresee myself doing a lot of singing and stage performances,” shared the boyish Cheung, who has started recording his favourite songs for his upcoming album and building up his stamina and repertoire for his concert in August next year.
happily married to actress Anita Yuen for 12 years, Cheung admits to being a doting father to their seven-year-old son Morton and hopes to shield his child from the media glare. “As far as I’m concerned, children should spend their time and energy studying and enjoy their growing years. This is because, nine out of ten showbiz friends who were child stars, have complained about having a terribly unhappy childhood.” “Chi Lam & Friends Live in Genting” will be staged at Arena of Stars, Genting highlands on Nov 30 at 8:30pm. Tickets are priced at RM570, RM400, RM300, RM200, RM100. For bookings or enquiries, contact Resorts World Genting (03-2718 1118 / www. rwgenting.com)
TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013 (formerly known as Astro My Favourite TVB Awards) will be held at Star Stage, KWC, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday at 8pm. The show will be broadcast live on TVB Entertainment News Channel (Astro Ch 313), Astro Wah Lai Toi (Astro Ch 311), Astro Zhi Zun HD (Astro Ch 310).