With 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Carina Lau (劉嘉玲) found success and happiness in her career and personal life. In a recent interview, Carina shared her thoughts on her success and marriage life with Tony Leung (梁朝偉). Money Cannot Buy Accomplishments There are often negative perceptions towards artistes, who are regarded as having little education and only package themselves to gain the public’s approval. Carina believes that many people do not continue to improve themselves, but respect has been earned through their own actions. Carina lives by the belief that feelings of personal success are more important than money itself. Now a successful businesswoman and restaurateur, Carina admits that she has failed many times in the past. Carina said, “To me, managing a business is very difficult. I’m afraid of numbers and contracts. When I see the accounting [statements], my eyes hurt and my head spins.” However, Carina said it is important to have fun, and the motivation should not always involve money. Mutual Understanding and Compromise Together with Tony Leung for 25 years, their relationship has stood the test of time due to mutual respect and tolerance for each other. Carina admits that she is full of flaws, but Tony has always been able to tolerate them and embrace her positive qualities. Carina praised Tony as someone who is very polite, attentive and dedicated towards work. Containing an utmost amount of support for her husband’s career, Carina allows Tony freedom when he is filming a movie. Carina said, “Even if he films for one to two years, I will not visit him on set. I will give him personal space; I believe he needs this space to focus on his acting.” Carina added, “Tony’s achievements today are completely due to his sacrifices. He truly works very hard. He filmed and prepared for The Grandmaster <一代宗師> for four years. I think he practiced Wing Chun for four years and now he is very good in the forms.” Tony is actually quite romantic and notices the smallest details about Carina. He remembers all the important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. Carina said, “There are not as many random surprises now, but he always gives me flowers on important dates, and sends a personalized card.” While they were dating, Tony proposed marriage numerous times, but Carina was not ready to settle down. As she got older, she finally realized that she wanted to start a family, and have a ceremony to commemorate her love for Tony. The couple decided to get married in Bhutan in 2008 shortly after Carina’s father passed away. Living a Simple Life Behind the glamorous facades, Carina and Tony live a rather simple lifestyle. The only expenses they lavish on are wine and clothes. Tony’s diet consists mostly of oil-free food and vegetables. Carina even jokingly exclaimed that he eats like a monk. In his spare time, Tony loves to watch movies of all genres and read books to gain perspective on life and acting. Facing turbulence and challenges in life require an open mind to react to those changes fluidly. Carina has lived a fulfilling life and gained wisdom through her friends’ experiences. She shared that it is important to face any situation with an open mind and positive outlook, “There is nothing shocking in life. There’s a need to cherish and do more good things and actions that make you happy.” Creds: Oriental Sunday
