He looked somewhat skinnier and had slightly sunken cheeks when I caught up with the Malaysia-born actor at the press event for his upcoming series "Priceless Wonder".
"That's the price of being a leading man," he said.
The 31-year-old told reporters that he had lost about three to four kilograms and got thinner as filming went on and now needs a belt to hold up his pants.
He explained that this is the first time he is playing the male lead in a Singapore drama serial, and the anxiety and hectic filming schedule made him shed the kilos.
His character in the 20-part series had a lot more lines than he was used to so he kept the script with him virtually everywhere he went and worked hard to memorise his parts. He also only had two days off during the entire filming period.
However, it is a price he is more than happy to pay. This drama gave him the opportunity to play a good guy for a change, albeit a flawed one.
"Priceless Wonder" sees Zhang playing the lovable rogue Li Cai Shun, a career gambler who, despite his gambling habit, has many admirable qualities.
"He is a good guy compared to the character I played previously [Robert Zhang]," Zhang said. "He gambles but he does it to support his family, he is filial and also very good to his girlfriend."
"I was like 'This show came at just the right time to allow me to change my screen persona'. It lets people see I have an adorable side... that I can play good guys as well," he said, bubbling over with enthusiasm.
Though Zhang admits that he was quite comfortable playing the villain in "Little Nyonya", he wanted to avoid being typecast as a baddie.
The actor who was offered a contract with MediaCorp after finishing third in Malaysia Star Search 2001 said he was looking to hone his acting skills playing different roles and not be just another pretty face.
"An actor seeks recognition for his acting not his looks. It's useless to have people say 'he is so handsome'," he said, before adding diplomatically that he "was not referring to anyone in particular."
"Acting skill is permanent, but looks are transient."
After turning in an excellent performance in "Little Nyonya", Zhang's popularity is rising among audiences in Singapore as well as in China, where the series is currently airing.
"I did not expect the result to be so good and the audiences to respond so positively," he said, adding that he felt lucky to have met good people who helped him along in his career.
Zhang has also been lucky in his personal life.
Zhang revealed that he will tie the knot "soon" with his long-time girlfriend from Johor, though he declined to give details about her identity. He said that they still have not set a date as they are getting a professional to find an auspicious day for their wedding.
"Priceless Wonder" debuts February 17, 9pm on Channel 8.
Credit: Channel NewsAsia
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