HK actor Chow Yun Fat reveals why he was initially hesitant to meet Anita Yuen

Hong Kong actors Chow Yun Fat and Anita Yuen are collaborating on a movie for the first time. Photo: Anita Yuen/Weibo

Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat recently revealed that he was initially hesitant to meet Anita Yuen, his co-star in One More Chance.

In an interview with Hong Kong media to promote the movie, Chow said that he was part of the panel of judges for the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1990.

According to the 68-year-old, Yuen was one of the contenders in the pageant then, but Chow did not vote for her.

"I did not vote for her (Yuen) when I was one of the judges, so I dare not meet her. What a coincidence she is also starring in this movie! I didn't know how to tell her," the God Of Gamblers star said.

When asked about who he voted for then, Chow replied saying that he could not remember.

At this, Yuen chimed in: "Helen Yung and Noel Leung joined that year, and you were particularly fond of Noel."

The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon actor then jokingly told the 51-year-old to "not say that in front of my wife".

A favourite to win the crown in the pageant, Yuen eventually clinched the title of Miss Hong Kong, beating out Yung and Leung who were placed second and third respectively.

According to reports, Yuen has been a long-term fan of Chow and has cited him as her "idol" on multiple occasions.

When asked to share more about her experience working with her idol for the first time, the He's A Woman, She's A Man star described it to be "unforgettable".

"When I found out about the cooperation, I packed my luggage, got on the plane and the world seemed to come to a stop. I thought I was dreaming," she said, adding that she could not bring herself to look at Chow when she first met him.

"I have finally fulfilled my dream of working alongside my idol. I feel very happy," she concluded.

Directed by Anthony Pun, One More Chance tells the story of an irresponsible gambler who agrees to take care of his ex-girlfriend's autistic son for a month in return for money.

The movie, also starring actors Alex Fong Chung Sun, Dick Liu Kai Chi and Kenny Wong Tak Bun, will premiere in Hong Kong and China on June 21.