Elanne Kong dedicated to Chapman To

22 Jan - Herman Yau Lai-To's latest dramatic sports romance, "Love Lifting", stars Elanne Kong Yeuk-Lam as a retired weightlifter whose predicament is caused by her affliction with diabetes, yet when she falls in love with a divorced businessman played by Hong Kong actor Chapman To, she receives his encouragement to take up the sport again, according to HK Top Ten.

Best known for his comedic image, it came as a surprise to all when Chapman To Man-Jat settled for such a serious role this time around, playing a responsible husband that is willing to sacrifice everything for his wife. In fact, his conviction to the role left Kong Yeuk-Lam so touched by To that she is keen to maintain a relationship with To even after the movie.

A dedicated actress herself, 25-year-old Kong Yeuk-Lam had to gain weight and undergo weightlifting training to tighten her muscles in order to make her character look more authentic. Earning herself the nickname "Strong Girl" from the crew members as a result, Kong Yeuk-Lam mentioned that the movie was one that challenged her the most since acting and that she had gained about 20 pounds and muscled arms as a result.

On the other hand, To Man-Jat had to lose weight in order to provide the character contrast needed in the movie. For To Man-Jat, losing weight was not a problem, but he ended up having to lose almost 30 to 40 pounds. Special meals were prepared for both him and Kong Yeuk-Man, which consisted mainly of sandwiches and cereal.