For a shining star who is often hyped as one of Hong Kong's television queens, Fala Chen exudes a surprisingly subdued - even jaded - demeanour.

The 30-year-old TVB artiste, who was in town on Thursday to promote her drama series Triumph In The Skies II, told The New Paper that at this stage in her life, she is hardly interested in playing the fame game.

"Fame has become less and less important to me, it's more of a burden than anything else," said the slender Chengdu-born beauty, who moved with her family to Atlanta, Georgia, in the US, when she was 14.

Speaking in fluent, American-accented English, she added matter-of-factly: "Besides the monetary value, the only positive thing about (fame) is that it allows people to watch and like your shows, to listen and enjoy your music. That's it."

Chen got her showbiz break after finishing runner-up in 2005's Miss Chinese International beauty pageant.

She joined TVB and soon started snagging leading roles in big productions such as Moonlight Resonance (2008), Rosy Business (2010) and Lives Of Omission (2011).

In 2011, she was picked as one of TVB's Top Four Female Artistes (see report on facing page) and a potential successor to Charmaine Sheh, who left the station the same year to venture into the lucrative mainland Chinese market.

Yet, Chen, who is based in Hong Kong, is not much like the ambitious, driven, power-suited working professional she often plays onscreen. No clear goals

"Me? I've always been kind of lost," she said with a laugh, when quizzed on whether she was the type who sets herself clear career goals.

"Somehow, I feel even more lost when I work with experienced veteran stars. It makes me wonder what is the meaning of my job. Am I here to pursue my personal satisfaction, or to entertain people?

"I'd think about my priorities too. Is it work, or family? Do I want children next time?

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