Tian Yuan [Photo: shanghaidaily.com]

Tian Yuan has shown versatility in many fields, such as singing, acting, photography and novel writing.

But with her unparalleled talent in music and acting, the low-profile 24-year-old is considered one of the most promising stars in China's entertainment industry.

Born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, she started piano lessons at 10, eventually exposing herself to a wide variety of music styles from around the world.

While in high school, Tian joined the band Hopscotch, singing vocals along with song and lyric writing duties.

In 2002, the band released its debut album, "A Wishful Way". The album, with strong influences from trip-hop rock, was well received by critics and music lovers for its unique, fresh sound.

In the same year, Tian, who majored in English at Beijing Language and Culture University, also published her first novel, "Zebra Forest". Five years later, she released her second book "Double Mono", which tells a story about love, youth and self-discovery.

Tian made her acting debut in 2004 in the Hong Kong film "Butterfly", in which she played a lesbian singer. The role won the Best New Performer category in the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards.

She next appears in A Gan's comedy "Gaoxing", screened nationally from this week, as a masseuse who falls in love with a junk collector and optimistic good-hearted guy.

Q: What was your childhood dream about what you wanted to be when you grew up?
A: Being a scientist. Now I am a musician, a writer and an actress, it's much more complicated than a scientist, I guess. And I don't think the dream really needs to be realized. Leaving it as a dream is beautiful enough for me!

Q: Do you think your talent makes you different to others? Is your major in English helpful in the development of your entertainment career?
A: Well, I think everyone is different. My major is helpful of course, but sometimes I think I need to study more.

Q: What's your favorite out of acting, composing and writing?
A: Ooooopppps! I don't really like this question because I think everything I do is connected, and writing, acting and singing is like one thing to me. Anyway, I love creating, so sometimes being an actress is a little passive for me. In the new year, I'll publish the new album, so maybe the focus will be on music.

Q: What's your view on love and marriage and have you found your Mr. Right?
A: Don't waste your time on Mr. Not Right, that's my theory. I think love is all about "fate" and what we call "yuanfen" in Chinese.

Q: For some movie fans, your name is still not widely known. So do you ever think it is more important to target a small group of people than a larger audience on the big screen?
A: I don't really have a plan, and I just want to let things go.

Q: Are you the kind of person who plans for tomorrow? What's your plan for the next 10 years of your life?
A: I don't have a big plan and I just want to enjoy my life. I am very lucky that I'm doing what I want.

Q: You play a masseuse in A Gan's new comedy film "Gaoxing". What other kind of role would you like to try on the big screen?
A: Maybe a mute girl. I want to try acting without any language.

Q: What was your New Year's wish? Can you talk about some of your new projects planned for this year?
A: The new album is the most important thing. I am working with Zhang Yadong now, and he's a great producer. And I'll write another book.

(Shanghai Daily February 9, 2009)