With a new album and a new outlook, Gigi Leung is ready to live in the present

By HeyJude
Translation by Ben Sin

Gigi Leung was once one of the biggest stars in Cantopop and the movie industry, but her involvement in a much-publicised industry romance with Ekin Cheng unfairly branded her with the label of ‘the other woman’ – resulting in a blow to her career. Today, Leung looks back and considers the incident a learning experience. With a new-found positive attitude towards life, she no longer forces the issue on work or love, choosing to be happy with herself. To get back on one’s feet after falling takes courage.

“I was young and naïve then,” says Leung of her relationship with Cheng. “I thought a relationship should be made open to everyone; I didn’t want to hide. Even though the relationship didn’t work out, there are no regrets. Without it, I wouldn’t be the Gigi Leung you see today.”

perhaps the lesson leung learned from the failed relationship is that things do not always work out as planned. “i have been more low key in dating since; i don’t want the media to get in the way of a relationship again.” in recent years leung has shifted her focus to the mainland and taiwan markets, and the media coverage of her has grown more positive. she is happy, with a smile that radiates confidence. “i love my work, i’ve learned to be more selective and choose jobs that challenge and intrigue me,” she says. “When i’m not working, i like to spend time with family and friends or travel. The simple life brings me joy.” having a job that requires constant travel has allowed leung to develop an interest in places with a rich tradition of history and culture. “There’s a certain flavour to developing countries,” explains leung, who celebrated her birthday in Cambodia recently. “The history of most developing countries is very intriguing – it makes me want to explore them for myself.” in april, leung released the album Present ([79ae][7269]). it’s her most hands-on album to date: she took on production, art direction and even design duties. “The hardest part was controlling the budget,” she reveals. “We were in new york shooting the album cover and wanted to rent a dog to use in the shoot. The cost to rent a dog for four hours was us$600! Thankfully, the shoot turned out great.”

The lead single Present is a track leung composed herself, and she admits to finding it her most satisfying song since Sparks ([82b1][706b]). she hopes her fans will look into the deeper meaning of the lyrics. “many people are worried about my emotional welfare and love life, so i decided to put my heart and feelings into the lyrics,” she explains. “even though i’m single, my life is fulfilling. i have learned to let things come naturally – the joy and sadness in my past have been mentioned enough times.

“i have no regrets because i realise that i’m quite fortunate,” she concludes.

gigi’s profile

Chinese Name：
梁詠琪
English Name：
Gigi Leung
Birthday：
25 March, 1976
Born：
Hong Kong
Height：
176cm
Education：
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design
First movie：
Full Throttle - 1995
Hobbies：
Swimming, singing, sports
Favourite foods：
Chocolate, cake, ice cream