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SINGAPORE: In showbiz, there is bound to be a group of artistes who are always willing to go the extra mile for their art: gaining weight, uglifying themselves or shaving off their locks. On Caldecott Hill, however, there is probably only one actress that falls into this category - Cynthia Koh.
Ten years ago, Koh became the talking point after shaving bald for her character Hong Dou in the drama series "Stepping Out" which won her a Best Actress Star Award. Now, the 35-year-old is making yet another 'sacrifice' by becoming a fat, frumpy and unglamorous-looking auntie in the upcoming Channel 8 series "Happy Family".
Koh had to gain 11 kilograms in just ten days for her role which is no mean feat even if she wolves down ice cream and pizzas for every meal.
"I just couldn't gain any weight," said the svelte actress, who stands at just 1.6 metres tall and weighs 48 kilograms. And we don't blame her, given the unrealistic timeline.
Nevertheless, she gave it a shot, including her favourite Magnum ice cream and wine in her daily diet. Unfortunately, after a week of sinful indulgence, she only managed to gain half a kilogram.
"My system doesn't absorb as well as I thought it would," said Koh.
In the series, which is set to air in January, viewers will see Koh's character balloon into a plump and dowdy auntie.
According to the MediaCorp actress, the show's producer wanted her to tip the scales between 60 to 65 kilograms, which she described as "unimaginable" as the heaviest she’s ever weighed was 52 kilograms.
"I had a meeting with the producers and told them to do a fat suit as a backup. I'm not afraid to say that I cannot put on weight but I will try," she said.
Eventually, due to health reasons, she decided to give up on the impossible task and suit up.
Koh, who has a history of thyroid, was advised by her family doctor to be cautious with her eating habits.
"I'm 35 years old and to have this sudden change of eating habit is going to be bad for my health," said Koh, who is more drawn to simple fare and her mom's cooking.
In addition, Koh was worried that she would not be able to rapidly shed the pounds in a safe and healthy manner for her next role, which she will begin filming just weeks after "Happy Family" wraps.
Having been in this line for 17 years, Koh has realised that money can't buy you health which is why she has placed a strong emphasis on it.
But this does not mean that she will rule out doing a Renee Zellwegger in future. Like the Hollywood actress who piled on almost 13 kilograms, not once but twice, for both "Bridget Jones" movies, Koh is game if there's a personal trainer and nutritionist to assist her.
However, Koh has more than just weight issues to deal with for this role. According to the actress, this will be her most unglamorous appearance on national television.
"I never felt so ugly. [I had] no makeup and was super unattractive," said Koh, who repeated the words 'super unattractive' three times to drive that fact into this reporter’s head.
And it doesn't end there. To help her character age into a fat middle-aged lady on television, Koh will get auntified further by getting her hair permed into a big mess.
This 'refreshing' image could just be what Koh needs to get her hands on that Best Actress trophy once again. However, the actress is less optimistic.
"Without the imaging, it is just another auntie role," said Koh nonchalantly, as she wrote down her chances.
So which is an easier, going bald or gaining weight?
"Shaving is definitely easier," Koh answered instantly.
"I would rather shave. It is something that you know that will grow back and you can see it unlike gaining weight where you do not know what's going on in your body.
"I'm not the typical kind of girl."
That's Cynthia Koh for you. - CNA
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