HONG Kong actress Sheren Tang craves for a fairy-tale romance - the kind that exists only on the screen.
And the 44-year-old, who has been through several failed relationships, is now willing to wait for the perfect one.
In a phone interview with The New Paper last month from Hong Kong, she explained: "I've drifted in and out of love too easily in the past and ended up being hurt too often.
"And because I didn't know what love really was, I ended up slipping into depression for a few years."
Tang had previously dated veteran Hong Kong actor Alex Man.
She was also rumoured some five years ago to have been involved with actor Kwong Wah, who was married at the time.
Envious
Tang said she is envious of the love that exists between Sei Lai Lai - her character in the new TVB drama Rosy Business - and Chai Kau (played by veteran actor Wayne Lai).
It is currently airing on VV Drama (StarHub Ch 855) every Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.
Tang admitted: "It's the kind of love I've always craved - one that I've spent half my life searching for.
"I used to view love from a wrong perspective - in some ways, I wanted something to replace the love I never had from my parents as a child."
Tang's parents divorced when she was five and she was raised by her maternal grandparents, who died shortly after she entered showbiz at 18.
She added: "I need someone who can understand me - someone like Chai Kau.
"Love should be unconditional - I know that now. Loving someone does not mean you have to possess the person."
Chai Kau does everything for Sei Lai Lai - his employer's fourth wife - despite knowing that theycan never be together. In the end, he's even willing to die for her.
In previous interviews, Tang had confessed to having dark thoughts when her relationships failed. But in recent years, she has "turned to God to rediscover" herself.
"We shouldn't date someone just because we feel lonely, just so we can fill up that void in our lives," she said.
The sleeper hit Rosy Business - which lacked sassy starlets and gorgeous hunks - swept six of the 15 awards up for grabs at the TVB 42nd Anniversary Awards last year.
Critics and fans have also attributed Tang's ease at slipping into her role to her cool and strong demeanour in real life.
She said: "There are some similarities in our characters - we're both not the damsels in distress. But (Sei Lai Lai) is more revolutionary- I don't have the strength in dealing with difficult situations or times."
"Which is why, in some ways, I draw experience from my screen character and hope that if ever I face a similar situation, I'd know how to deal with it better."
Tang and Lai have been paired up again in the sequel Rosy Business 2: Righteous Sea Of Heroic Love.
Rumours of the pair dating had surfaced when Rosy Business first aired. She said: "I expect fresh media reports about our alleged affair to surface when the series airs (sometime at year end in Hong Kong).
"The good thing is, Wayne's wife and I are friends - and she's always made it clear that she enjoys watching us together because of our chemistry."
Tang was finally named Best Actress last year - her third nomination in the category. She lost to Gigi Lai in 2004 and Charmaine Sheh in 2006.
She said: "I think somewhere along the way, I stopped hoping for awards. When you get past that, life becomes easier.
"An award is like a dessert. It is wonderful to have, but not necessary. I can just get on with the main course - acting."
She added that she may write a book one day about her experiences.
She said: "Until that happens, I can only share through interviews - like this one. And that's good enough for now."
This article was first published in The New Paper.
- Credits to
Diva
Comments: I do agree that one reason why Sheren Tang is able to act so well is because of all the hardships she has gone through in life. She is able to portray every little emotions very well and very naturally. And I agree with her! Who says that a single cannot have happiness? You go, Sheren! =D I'll support you all the way! ^^ Hopefully, you'll be able to find your 白马王子 soon! =)
