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Gong Li: citizenship change is my own choice

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-05 23:59

BEIJING - For the first time in public, world-famed Chinese actress Gong Li expressed her feelings about the controversial decision to become a Singaporean, according to a talk show program's promotional video posted on the country's major portal Website, Sina.com on Monday.

Gong Li is seen duiring Sunday's recording of "Yanglan One on One". [Xinhuanet]

"It's my own choice and I think that's why there's no need for an instant and high-profile explanation for the public," Gong said during Sunday's recording of "Yanglan One on One".

The interview is to be broadcast on January 11, on Dragon TV, a Shanghai-based TV channel.

In early November of last year, Gong was naturalized in Singapore, which spurred heated discussions among Chinese netizens and the media. Some thought her switch was "unpatriotic". Others took the move as being convenient for her personal life and acting career.

For all the supportive and critical public opinions, the star told the TV show that "I will walk the line in my way and I don't want my life to be bothered by others' talking."

Gong said in Singapore she never has to take an assistant with her when going out to shopping or meals like she had to do on the mainland.

"Freedom is too precious for her to protect," she said in the interview.

In the recorded scene for the show, she also suggested her next movie partner might be film star Jim Carrey. "We may work together in a 'black humor' comedy film", she said, which could be challenging for her since she has only been in one comedic role.

She also told the show that she had no desire to win an Oscar, and "what I care to do most right now is to be a good actress."

Gong also denied any suggestions of switching to be an editor, a director or a movie producer.

The 44-year-old actress won fame in films such as "Red Sorghum" and "Raise the Red Lantern" before making a mark in Hollywood with roles in "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Miami Vice". She married Singaporean tobacco executive Ooi Hoe Seong in 1996.