SINGAPORE, Oct 21 — When we think of Paula Tsui, we think of her signature wavy hair, dramatic costumes and husky, velvety vocals, which have serenaded fans for the last four decades and inspired the careers of generations of female singers, including Hong Kong superstar Anita Mui.
What we did not know was that the Cantopop legend is also a bit of a daredevil.
In a phone interview ahead of next month’s concert here, Tsui recounted how she gamely took a roller coaster ride in Singapore after performing two sold-out shows last year. It was one of the most dangerous things she has done in recent times, she said.
“It was my first time taking the roller coaster in a long time and, after I went up, I really regretted it!” the affable 66-year-old said with a chuckle. “It was very exciting and I never thought I would do it, but it was a spontaneous decision. I rarely regret anything I do, but once I went up, I regretted it immediately.”
She added: “I just kept my eyes closed from the beginning till the end! But now I have a funny story to tell everyone. It’s so childish, but I can see why so many people like it.”
Most days, however, Tsui leads a much more peaceful life. The singer, whose biggest hits include The Windy Season, Go With The Flow, Go Against The Flow and Stand Together, is currently mulling over the possibility of releasing a new album, although she has not decided if it will be a collection of old songs or new ones.
And when she has a few days off, Tsui likes to go on holidays with her friends. “I love getting a feel of every place I visit, whether it is their customs, or getting to know the people. I am a curious person by nature,” she said.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Tsui gave herself 80 marks (out of 100), saying she is almost never satisfied with her performance, because she always wants to be better.
“You asked a very good question earlier, about the most dangerous thing I have ever done,” Tsui mused. “(If you think about it), singing is also dangerous. It’s so much fun, but it’s dangerous because you never know if you will do well. You are taking risks every time (you perform), because you take the risk of not being good enough.”
She continued: “Every time you perform, you feel the pressure. You don’t ever feel like you are 100 per cent in control, and you can’t guarantee that everyone in the audience will like the show or will be satisfied with the show.”
But if you ask her where she sees herself in 10 years, Tsui, who says she has never seriously considered retiring, will likely still be doing what she loves and does best — singing.
“My life now is the same as it was 10 years ago, or even 20 years ago. I trust that even in 10 years, my life won’t have changed very much,” Tsui said.
Paula Tsui’s 2015 Encore Concert is on Nov 14, 8pm, at Resorts World Ballroom, Resorts World Convention Centre. Tickets from S$28 to S$298 (about RM86 to RM918) at SISTIC. — TODAY
