Making it with a rich Asian drama

RIGHT now, Singaporean author Kevin Kwan is hot property after having achieved international acclaim with his satirical 2013 novel, Crazy Rich Asians.
The book was translated into several languages, and is now being made into a movie starring Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan and Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
The story revolves around Nick Young, the New York-based heir apparent of a wealthy Singapore family. He returns home for his best friend’s wedding, bringing girlfriend Rachel Chu with him.
Rachel is soon overwhelmed by it all, especially Nick’s disapproving mother and grandmother.
There are other interesting characters, like Nick’s cousins Astrid Leong, a woman who has it all but is stuck in a marriage with an insecure husband, and Eddie Cheng, who is obsessed with his appearance.
Nick and Rachel’s story has since expanded into a trilogy in Kwan’s subsequent books, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems.
Kwan himself comes from a well-to-do family. His parents moved the family to the United States when Kwan was 11.
In an email interview, the author, who is currently involved with the making of the movie, shares some interesting facts about this book series.
What made you decide to expose the lifestyles of the rich and famous of Singapore in your books?
“I never approached these books with any intention of ‘exposing’ that world. My books are comedies of manners – I’m simply trying to make readers laugh and have a good time.
“That said, I felt that no one in America was writing about contemporary Asia from an authentic, intimate point of view, and I wanted to change that.
“I wanted to write a novel that wasn’t some historical novel set in war-torn China at the turn of the century, or about immigrants struggling to survive.
“I thought that it was high time for Asian characters to get celebrated a bit in popular fiction!”
Is there more planned for these colourful characters, or do you want to end it at Rich People Problems?
“I’m sure I could write endless books about this cast of characters, but for now, I’d like to challenge myself to do something different.
“I think readers would eventually get bored reading about these people, and I have so many other stories to tell.”
Were the main characters based on certain individuals, or are they all composites of various people you have encountered?
“Both, actually: 50% of the characters in my books are inspired by actual people, and the other half are composites of various people that I’ve been fascinated by.”
Did you get into trouble portraying members of high society as being shallow?
“So far so good. I think people realise my stories are highly satirical (at least, I hope they do), and they’re all in on the joke.
“Also, I don’t think my characters are that shallow. Even snobby, narcissistic Eddie Cheng has so many layers and a method to his madness.”
Astrid, for all her flaws, is a fan favourite. Did that surprise you?
“I love the character of Astrid, of course, but it did initially surprise me how fervent her fans are about her.
“At a book event I attended recently, readers kept asking if I would write a whole series of books only about her, and one guy even requested that I sign his book ‘From Astrid’.”
Is Nick in any way based on you?
“I wish!”
Now that Crazy Rich Asians is going to be turned into a movie, do you feel any apprehension that some elements may get lost in translation?
“I am so happy with the way the book has been adapted, and I’ve been part of the process from day one, so I have no concerns.
“The sets, the fashion, the food, the amazing performances – the surprises we have in store for them – I really think audiences are going to be blown away by what they see!”
How involved are you in the movie and casting?
“Every creative decision in the film was truly a team effort between myself, the producers, our brilliant director Jon M. Chu, and the studio.
“I’m just glad to have been part of the team.”
You are currently working on developing a TV series in the US based on a similar theme as your books. Can you tell us more about it?
“I can’t say much for now, but I can tell you it’s a one-hour scripted drama that takes place in several locations around the globe.
“I’m so excited to be able to share this whole new world of stories and characters with everyone.”
Any message for the fans of the book series?
“I am so enormously thankful to all my fans for reading my books and for spreading the word about them.
“It’s truly been a privilege to be able to write this trilogy of books, and to be given a chance to tell these stories.”