Veteran Hong Kong-based singer and actress Mimi Zhu used a press conference on Wednesday to directly address public speculation over her health while announcing plans for two charity concerts in January. The shows, titled “Yau Loi Hoi” (“Coming Again”), will take place at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and feature guest appearances by actors Lai Yiu-ching and John Yem.
Deflecting Health Concerns
Zhu, 72, whose noticeably slimmer frame in recent public outings has sparked rumors of illness, categorically dismissed the concern. “Do I look sick to you?” she asked reporters directly. “Fat or thin makes no difference to me. I am not trading on my looks.”
She explained that her weight loss did not stem from illness or a strict regimen. “I didn’t diet. I simply ate less starch and more vegetables,” she said. Zhu also stressed that for someone her age, weight control is a medical necessity, not an aesthetic goal. “At 72, being overweight is a health risk, not a blessing. The heavier you are, the more dangerous it becomes,” she warned.
Currently weighing around 110 pounds (50 kilograms), Zhu described her figure as perfectly standard and insisted her singing remains unaffected. “When I was younger, I was much heavier. My sister used to call me ‘Fatty.’ It might have looked cute, but it wasn’t healthy. I prefer to take responsibility for my body now,” she recalled.
Mindset on Work and Aging
Now based in Singapore with her eldest son and daughter-in-law, Zhu continues to sing regularly and takes occasional film roles. She admitted a dislike for lengthy television shoots but showed no interest in slowing down. “If I cut back on work, wouldn’t that prove I cannot handle the job? Should I just stay idle?” she asked the press. “At this age, you cannot afford to stop. If you do, your cognitive functions start to decline.”
She was quick to clarify that financial need is not what keeps her working. “I work, but not for the money. I own five properties in Hong Kong that generate rental income,” she stated.
In keeping with her reputation for directness, Zhu infused the press conference with self-deprecating humor. Calling herself “philistine,” she joked that the largest room in her home is the toilet. She also attributed her commitment to charity work to a life she says has included enough “misdeeds” to warrant giving back.
Ready for the Stage
With her slimmer silhouette, Zhu confirmed she does not need an entirely new wardrobe for the January concerts. Her existing performance outfits only require minor adjustment at the waist. “A sexy outfit is still possible,” she quipped.
Zhu’s candid handling of the body image narrative stands in sharp contrast to typical celebrity evasions. By prioritizing health and mental sharpness over appearance and public perception, she offered a powerful perspective on aging under the spotlight. Her “Yau Loi Hoi” charity concerts, set for this winter at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, will likely showcase the enduring energy and unfiltered personality that have marked her decades-long career.