I consider him more a friend than an idol

Li Nanxing on reuniting with HK superstar Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards

- Benson Ang

For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues.

But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards just like he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994.

Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: "Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more."

At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice, when he rallied local actors from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow.

Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was "very busy".

Li recalled: "So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called.

"I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol."

Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which officially opens on July 25.