We got to chat with Tan Kheng Hua about Crazy Rich Asians and representation in the film industry.
Words by Carol Wright
Was acting always something you planned to pursue as a career?
Acting came about really out of the blue for me. when it came to extracurricular activities in school, I spent most of my time being a competitive jock. but then when I went to university in the US, and as I was looking for an elective, I chanced upon Acting 101 and decided to take it because it was an early morning class and it would help me end my school day earlier so I could spend more time at the mall! Little did I know I would fall so in love with acting. When I returned home from Singapore, I got a BSc and worked in corporate for many years before quitting and pursuing acting in a more serious way. In fact, I got married, bought my first house, and quit at the same time to be a full-time artist. Completely opposite from how others would do it but hey, it worked for me!
Your career truly flourished in Singapore. Did you face any challenges you weren’t expecting when transitioning to acting in American films?
Not at all. Singapore is so cosmopolitan. We work with so many people from so many different countries here all the time. We are also so multi-cultural so we are adept at communicating what we want, and giving to, people from all over the world.
Did you read the novel Crazy Rich Asians? How did it feel when you knew it was being turned into a movie?
I read it when it first was published a long time before there was any news of it being a movie! I come very much from the same sort of background as the people featured so lovingly in the book and laughed and cried and identified with it inside out. Loved the book. When I was cast, I was elated that I would be a part of this team that would tell this story to the world.
Tell us a bit about your character Kerry Chu and what drew you to the role.
Kerry Chu is from mainland China who grabbed her little baby daughter and under extenuating circumstances fled to the US. With great tenacity and grit, she brought her daughter Rachel Chu (played by the brilliant Constance Wu) up and they have an extraordinarily close relationship. Hers is an immigrant’s story. What drew me to the role is what draws me to all roles I want to take on – she is written with great sensitivity and a well-defined arc. I knew I could do something with this character. I admired her strength and I myself share an extremely close relationship with my own only daughter.
The entire cast is Asian which is a huge milestone for representation in film. How important is it for you to be apart of a movie that isn’t just making a statement in pop culture but also has the power to change the film industry?
Anything that helps to promote a greater understanding of differences in the world to bridge and to make better is a ship I will gladly jump on and want to help steer. Not just for the film industry, but for everyone and everywhere in the world. Make love, guys. Make love. Diminish hate.
While making the film did you feel any pressure to get things perfect because so much is riding on the film?
The way to combat pressure is to do things you really believe in and I believe in this film and its vision. So the pressure is less because the process is where I know I want to be as opposed to concentrating too much on the result. If we get the process right, the results will come.
In Singapore, you’ve produced multiple projects. Do you hope to produce projects in the US as well?
I want to do the work I want to do no matter where! I love my work – producing, curating, acting – and I want to keep working in this way for as long as I can, in as many places as I can and with as many talented people as I can.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Well – I am usually not one to give advice but here’s something I often hear myself saying to myself – Be Better.