This month’s Men’s Folio Malaysia is all about rejuvenation and who better to front this exciting issue than budding Taiwanese actor Wang Ta Lu (王大陸), known for his captivating role in the romantic film “Our Times”.
With an energetic personality that can sometimes be a little too mischievous, Ta Lu stands out from the rest of his peers in the entertainment industry.
Everyone knows what a celebrity is. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the so-named individual is driven to acquire fame at all costs. In fact, some who have earned such a label are hard workers who are introverts when the cameras aren’t flashing and the spotlight is turned off.
What is meant by the term is a person whose appearance, behaviour, accomplishments, and public persona mark them out to be a magnetic presence through sheer charisma. This promising young man is one of those rare gems in the industry.
Here, we give you an exclusive interview with Ta Lu, where he talks about his rise as a star, his aspirations and lessons he’d learnt along the way.
Was this a career you’ve always wanted to pursue?
“I love performing as a child. It gives me great pleasure to be able to delight and entertain an audience. I feel extremely happy and lucky to be given the opportunity to be an actor.”
Starting out so young in the entertainment, has it a rough path for you?
“I was blessed to have acting and commercial gigs at an early age. Unfortunately, I didn’t take them seriously and was reprimanded by a director who said I was a diamond in the rough, but my lack of work ethic was such a waste of talent. It was the wake-up call I needed.”
What motivates you to take on the entertainment world, which can be rather harsh at times?
“I feel a rush of adrenaline when I hear the applause of those who appreciate the effort I’ve put into a role. It helps me to overcome the inertia of taking on the next project or assignment.”
While many might think that you’re quite the party lover, it seems like you’re quite the opposite.
“I just need to rein it in a tad. At the end of it all, I need to settle down and work hard. I’m happy with where I am now, and such is life that we always learn from our mistakes. Only fools repeat them.”
What is the one most important lesson you apply to yourself?
“As a child, I was reminded by a teacher that even a white lie is dangerous. That’s something that I carry with me. To be honest and sincere in terms of how I carry myself and it also translates into an honesty when I’m portraying a character.”
You mentioned before that you would love to play characters like Sun Wukong (The Monkey God) and Wei Xiaobao (The Deer and the Cauldron). Why is that so?
“There are way too many takes on these two iconic characters. Yet, I would love to try my hand at giving them my own flair and wit. I’m committed to reinventing myself and prepared when there is an opportunity to take on a challenging role.”
Seems like you have quite a mischievous side, based on the similarity on the two roles you mentioned.
“Yes. I would love to play complex characters that are suave, arrogant, bumbling, and ironically humorous all the same.”
Our time has come to an end. Any last words to all your fans and our readers?
“We play to our strength and make that incremental progress with the end goal in sight. I’m living my dream and it gives me motivation to move forward. All I have to do is work hard, work hard, and work hard.”
(Photography: Shao Ting Kuei; Styling: Titien Wang;Hair Brian Huang/Headline Salon Taipei; Grooming: Joan Chiou/Make-up Studio Taipei; Outfits by order of appearance: Polo Ralph Lauren, Hermès and Prada)
For the full feature story and our exciting editorial spread with Wang Ta Lu (@taluwang), get your copy of Men’s Folio Malaysia June/July 2016 issue at the nearest newsstands and bookstores or subscribe to our digital copy at www.magzter.com.
