DATO' MICHELLE YEOH
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(Scans provided by Melody)
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DATO' MICHELLE YEOH 'MY RED CARPET MOMENTS' Text: Suzie Adnan Stylist: Cheah Wei Chun / CLANHOUSEONLINE.COM Photo: Bustamam Mokhtar / White Studio [ENGLISH TRANSLATION by Melody] 8:30am sharp, Dato' Michelle Yeoh, 45, reaches the front doors of White Studio. Dressed in simple T-shirt and denim skirt, she looks clean without make-up. This petite actress came with her sister-in-law and her niece/nephew. As soon as she reaches the changing room, she flips through the Fendi clothes that have already been hung up for her. "Which one am I wearing?" she asks with excitement in her voice. There's actually nothing extraordinary about Michelle. Her ordinariness makes us forget that she is an internationally-acclaimed actress. "I can be very social and anti-social at the same time. And there's nothing glamorous about me when I'm not working because I'm very casual -- I love to watch television, film or out to catch a movie. I also try to go come back frequently. Maybe twice a year? Oh, I miss my family in Ipoh... and more so, the food!" When she was small, her wish was to be a prima ballerina. At age 15, Michelle was sent to the London Royal Academy of Dance, but a spinal injury ended her dream. However, she came back with a degree in Creative Arts and a minor in Drama held in hand. In the beginning of her career 24 years ago, Michelle's life changed in a blink of an eye when she was crowned Miss Malaysia/World 1983. Her popularity attracts the interests of many advertisement publishers, especially in Hong Kong. A start was in a Charles Jourdan advertisement and Michelle was also offered to act in it. In Hong Kong, Michelle went through the action genre film -- from Police Story 3 to Tai Chi Master. And then the world starts to know of Michelle as she appears beside Pierce Bronsnan in the James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies. At that time, this actress was listed in the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World list by People magazine. Professional acknowledgement was given when Michelle appeared in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The red carpet welcomed her during the most prestigious Academy Awards. And since then, offers from Hollywood come seeping in while paparazzi never grow tired of taking her photos. In her own country, Michelle was awarded Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) which carries the title Dato', by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, in 2001. In her recipe for brilliance, Michelle's career is not only based on her talent but her strong self discipline. "My life is always in schedule. Never delay jobs or simply take any responsibility. If we delay them until the next day, then later it will become a week, and then a year. Like health care, exercise every day -- it's a ritual. I am my own personal trainer. Exercise to me is the same as brushing your teeth as soon as you wake up in the morning; because it's just like personal hygiene... it should be in our system," says Michelle, who has this fit and toned body. HOLLYWOOD CONFIRMATION Each actor must have dreamt to get their names into the international film industry, more so getting through the hard wall of Hollywood. Looks alone are not enough, talent and a great energy are a must. But against all odds, Dato' Michelle Yeoh has passed the general expectation and succeeded in achieving what we think is impossible. This Ipoh-born child proves that with effort and enthusiasm, everything is possible. "There's no shortcut to there," says Michelle about the 'Hollywood actress' status that she has achieved. "I never feel myself as a part of the theatre kids in Hollywood. Many assume that I have already "moved" to Hollywood. True, there are many offers from there, and many of my work appeared in the films from there. But the first step I took started in Hong Kong and that is where my talents were trained. From Asia, I try America," she said. While Michelle's presence is well received, she's playing in the European arena. And today, this actress is back to receiving offers from Asian directors. "I'm a bit picky about who's the director. Because to me, the director must be someone with their own vision. And that's the factor that makes me want to become a part of their work," Michelle goes on saying about her thoughts about a director with credibility that can create a firm platform for their actors. It was not her plan to be picky but she really longs for a script that is able to challenge her abilities. From astronaut (Sunshine) to geisha (Memoirs of a Geisha), Michelle wanted to be a flexible actress and not attached to any stereotyped characters. "The main mission of a good actress is to achieve maximum satisfaction from every character that is accepted. That is why I really respect the type of actor who is truly serious and is inspired by his/her character, those who are not afraid to push the envelope." Now her objective is to succeed in a script with a romantic comedy theme. "Each film has an underlying theme. Because film is really such a beautiful language," answers the L'Oreal ambassador. ON THE RED CARPET "Overwhelming!" This is the first image Michelle has towards her feelings when she was on the red carpet at the recent Cannes Film Festival. However, this actress is frequently invited to many prestigious ceremonies like this -- from film festivals to Academy events. Everyone knows that among many film festivals, there is not one that competes with the Cannes Film Festival. And Michelle Yeoh is among the 'regulars' that attends every year. The big difference between this year and the years before, this time Michelle is invited to present the award for the Best Director category. "It is different to attend with a film - you can feel the pressure," says Michelle. As a result of Kenneth Cole and Sharon Stone's persuasion, she has joined amFAR (the Foundation for AIDS Research) which is held at night throughout the whole week of Cannes. "We succeeded in selling a diamond necklace for US$550,000." Before Cannes Film Festival 2007 starts, this actress had just finished film shooting. Because of work, she traveled from Sweden then to Prague before going on to Cannes. For this reason, the time was limited or Michelle. "As soon as I reached Monte Carlo, I straight away took a helicopter to Cannes. Luckily, many helped. And about the dress, I was cautious in making the decision. Luckily Roberto Cavalli is willing to come personally to Cannes along with his entire collection. I work closely with him, that makes it easier for me to choose which is more suitable. Isn't this easy? Cavalli is very flexible and also, he knows which style I like; from the colors to the cuttings," narrates Michelle, who continued to show the grand jewelry from Audemars Piguet and Boucheron at the recent Cannes. To this actress, film and fashion walk side by side. "Attire should not be taken lightly. It's just as important! Not just for women, men are just as stylish. Red carpet is about putting your best foot forward. And all make an effort to have the best appearance. Have synergy!" Beautiful, her story is about her experience on the red carpet, Michelle did not hold back in sharing tips that she frequently uses. "As you step out of the limousine, my advice is, take pleasure. When fats, photographers calls out your name, try to remain calm and give your best smile. Confidence is an important factor when you're taking steps on the red carpet. Give 100% of your attention. Don't be too careless because the reaction of the public may be way out of expectation. After hours of waiting, there are times fans act out of control!" Michelle adds, "...and try not to fall!" On the Cannes red carpet this year, Andie MacDowell, Diane Kruger and Maggie Q were among those who were most elegant in Michelle's eyes. The secret to making a impressive appearance is when one is comfortably wrapped in clothing on one's body and so with one's significant personality. "Each one is different and has their individual style. And their confidence is obvious in the photos that were shot. It's the person wearing the dress, not the other way around." Michelle slots in, the image of glamorous screen siren Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor that fulfills the most perfect red carpet style. "I agree that everything is glamorous and contrasts with styles like grudge, for instance, I never liked that sort of look..." Because Michelle openly tells about her glamorous life of entertaining the paparazzi on the red carpet, I took this opportunity to ask her about the reality of the negative stories of international celebrities who like looking for trouble, moving in big entourages, throwing tantrums and making unreasonable requests. "We need to be in moderation, doesn't matter how great your profile is. As an actor, we must know how to appreciate other actors, and audiences too. It is not good if we demand, go berserk without any reason. Yes, I had also heard of many stories about troubling celebrities but never have I seen one with my own eyes," says Michelle genuinely. "But maybe sometimes it's a must. It's the nature of the job. There are times they are too exposed to the public which makes them feel vulnerable, therefore anything can happen. Maybe there should be an assistant so that the schedule can go smoothly and most importantly, safely." FINDING YOUR SOULMATE Every time Michelle makes a special appearance in public, she is surely alone. Never accompanied, even though the whole world knows that this actress is dating Executive Director of the Ferrari Formula One team, Datuk Seri Jean Todt. Seeing as it is no longer a secret, I was called to ask about her lover. Is it true that they are already engaged and plan to have a wedding sometime soon? "No!" Michelle replied quickly followed with a big laugh. And I had already known Michelle would be secretive about these questions. However, each answer shows this actress has already found happiness. "I enjoy my life now. When we love and are loved, the situation somehow creates a certain kind of contentment in your soul. And I don't want to waste these precious seconds. Finding your soulmate is a rare thing and needs to be treasured. Is he (Jean Todt) my soulmate?... Yes, I think so," replied Michelle wholeheartedly. (Translated by Melody. Edited by Dean) |
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