Stopping by in Kuala Lumpur for a short afternoon before jet setting off to their next destination, Cinema Online caught stars of "My Sassy Hubby", Charlene Choi and Ekin Cheng just in time before they left. The duo spent a few minutes sharing their views on what they expect in their future family lives in a casual chat while bantering with each other at the same time.
Cinema Online's interview with Charlene Choi and Ekin Cheng was conducted on 30 November at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Q: Welcome back to Malaysia, Ekin and Charlene. Congratulations on the sequel! How is "My Sassy Hubby" different from its predecessor? Charlene: What makes the most difference is how this couple, Sam and Yo Yo, had spent their lives together in the past ten years. In the beginning, it was about falling in love, now, the story focuses on how they live with each other. The movie may revolve around their current relationship, but at the same time, it reveals the subtle change in the modern Hong Kong society. For example, how women in Hong Kong may be threatened by the presence of women who arrive from Mainland China. There is bound to be competition among the two with life in Hong Kong. Ekin: The first movie is a little piece about romance where the character returns from his studies in England. At that time, it reflected the Hong Kong where a lot of students were returning from overseas to settle in the city. But this sequel reveals that many from overseas are coming into Hong Kong instead, creating a situation where the locals, those who came back from overseas as well as those from overseas meet. It's interesting to see how all three cultures clash, especially when it comes to love.
Q: Ekin, in the movie, you don't seem to be too fond of kids. Do you have the same opinion of children in real life? Ekin: First, allow me to explain that not having kids and not being fond of kids are two different matters. I started my career as a host for a children's programme and I find it lucky that I am blessed with the ability to be able to communicate with kids without hassle, even to this day. Considering the condition of the world at this day, it's really not going to be a conducive environment for children, especially for Hong Kong as kids nowadays face a lot of pressure from society. A child born in Hong Kong has to take up a lot of lessons, learning skills they may not enjoy, which is something that I have to consider for my future child before deciding to have any children. How about you, Charlene? Charlene: I actually really love children. I wanted to have a dozen kids when I was just six years old! But as I grew older, I realised that having kids is not really about just bringing the child to this world, you have to spend a lot time nurturing the child. Right now, I don't think I am equipped with the ability to take up that challenge but I do hope my future family does include children. It would be best if I can have twins. Child birth is going to really hurt and it's better if I can have two at one go, won't it?
Q: Everyone knows how Ekin loves to play video games. Since this movie involves a husband who isn't up to par, do you think you would turn up to be that kind of husband who glues himself to the screen instead of paying attention to your wife? Ekin: Wow. This is a really hard question to answer. I don't think I would be in the position to answer that as my wife would be the only one qualified to provide it.Ekin: Wow. This is a really hard question to answer. I don't think I would be in the position to answer that as my wife would be the only one qualified to provide it. Charlene: So, can we ask your wife now? Ekin: Well, assuming that I am already married, do you think I would be that kind of husband? Charlene: Hmm... You are right, we should ask your wife instead. I wouldn't know (laughs).
Q: Does the name Yo Yo feel especially heart-warming to you when you call out to Charlene in the movie (Yo Yo is also the name of Ekin's girlfriend)? Ekin: Actually, if you take a holiday to Hong Kong, all you need to do is shout out the name "Yo Yo!" and a few dozen girls would turn their heads towards you, regardless of age. It's a very popular English name there, you know. So yes, in that sense, it does feel heart-warming.
Q: If you had the opportunity take some vacation time, would you take a trip or would you rather hide out at home to play video games? Ekin: I am actually very disciplined when it comes to arranging my time. When I work, I put in 100%, but I do allocate time to spend with my family and of course, to play video games. My star sign is Libra, you know, which makes me a very balanced person. Charlene: Are you sure? Before we boarded the plane, the air stewardess ran around looking for you. When we asked where did you disappear to, you actually told us you went buying video games! Ekin: No, I wasn't. I didn't buy any video games! But I did buy a remote control airplane, which proves I'm not a fanatic. Can I ask you a question instead? Have you watched the movie yet?
Q: Well, we already did before interviewing you. It was actually better than we had expected. Ekin: That's good to know. We haven't even watched it yet. Charlene:Yeah. I really want to watch the end product. Ekin: It's really weird nowadays. None of those starring in the movie ever gets to watch the movie firsthand. In fact, we are always the last ones to watch them!
Q: Really? Well, we hope you do catch yourselves in action on the big screens soon! Thanks for your time with us! Ekin: We hope so too. Thanks, Cinema Online. Charlene:Thanks!