On another treasure hunt
HONG KONG legend Jackie Chan was in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote his latest Chinese New Year action-comedy film, Kung Fu Yoga.
He was here together with the film’s director, Stanley Tong, and his co-stars, China’s yoga model Muqimiya as well as Bollywood actresses Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur.
It was Chan’s first appearance in Malaysia after receiving the Academy Honorary Award last November.
Chan said the award served as “a reminder” to him to encourage the younger generation to stay true to their craft.
“Whatever industry you are in, whatever you are doing, do your best ... if you are true to your belief and true to your art, one day you will be recognised,” he said during the press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Chan added that he is driven to give his best in movies because it is his way of showing gratitude to all his loyal fans all over the world.
When asked what it felt like to work with this acting legend, Disha and Amyra confessed to having feelings of disbelief when they first heard they were selected to work alongside Chan.
The two said they grew up watching him in films like Rush Hour and Rumble in the Bronx.
Disha added that she felt so nervous about her role that she decided to train for the part on her own prior to shooting.
She said she was aware that “you can’t expect anything to be easy” when starring in a Jackie Chan film, and cited the diving scene in Iceland as one of the film’s more difficult stunts.
For Tong, who has worked together with Chan for some 25 years, directing Kung Fu Yoga had been a notable experience.
“I’m very happy to [be able to] work with Jackie because he is like a mentor to me [since] I was very young ... he’s like my big brother and mentor, and I learned so much from him,” he added.
When asked whether they experience a clash of creativity when working together, since both are experienced directors in the industry, Tong revealed that they “have differences” but managed to “always find a way to finish the work”.
The cast also made time to greet their fans at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where the gala premiere for the film was held, as well as at 1 Utama Shopping Centre for a yee sang tossing ceremony.
Kung Fu Yoga is an action comedy blockbuster that follows a group of treasure hunters around the world.
Audiences will be left in awe by its spectacular scenery shot in such locations as the ice caves of Iceland, the desert in Abu Dhabi, and exotic locales in India.
Kung Fu Yoga is currently showing in cinemas here.