Red-hot and cool

These days you can't navigate around the city without seeing Julian Cheung Chi-lam's megawatt grin. The Canto-pop idol has become the darling of advertisers, plugging everything from luxury watches to instant coffee, thanks to his recent stint in the TVB drama Triumph in the Skies II.

Cheung's character, Captain Cool - a young, talented yet arrogant commercial pilot - hooked audiences, with his ripped physique and youthful looks.

While the success of Captain Cool has come as a pleasant surprise to Cheung, he says the filming was a valuable experience.

"In the beginning of the story, Captain Cool acts like such a playboy, but as the story unfolds, he grows into a fuller person, especially when he falls in love," he says.

Cheung probably reads between the lines better than anyone else as he lives through the metamorphosis of his character.

Unlike other confused 20-year-olds, he enjoyed the sweet taste of success early on when the release of his first single set him on the fast track to fame. Entitled A Modern Love Story, his huge hit still holds the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry record for selling the most copies of a debut album.

Cheung's good looks didn't go unnoticed, and the following years saw him juggling careers in music and acting.

"It's hard to compare my passion for music and acting. I just feel safe and relaxed when I'm on set filming or in the studio recording," he says. "I can have more time to develop the character and find out what I really want."

Fast forward 20 years, and Cheung looks as if he hasn't aged a day. He says his youthful looks are a blessing.

"It's definitely a good thing, as my fans love seeing me like this," he says. "But don't ask me for tips, because I don't have any. I wish I knew more, other than having enough sleep and working out as much as I can."

The baby-faced star avoids an overly metrosexual wardrobe in exchange for a more grown-up look. On his off-duty days, he opts for a simple ensemble of a sleek shirt and trusty jeans. Edgy Japanese designer brand Comme des Garçons (which ironically means "Like the Boys" in French) is one of his top picks.

His Big Boy's Toys, however, are nothing short of mature. A proud owner of supercars such as Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini, he talks fondly about his latest trophy - a customised matte black Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder convertible that reaches a whopping 198km/h in just 13 seconds.

"It's my favourite car so far," he muses. "Very often, you only love a car when it's new, but I have loved everything about it since the day I got it."

Now 42, Cheung anticipates the traces of time that will appear on him.

"A few wrinkles add to the charm," he quips. "Plastic surgery won't be an option for me. I'd like to age gracefully. I've been blessed, but I don't want to look the same [as I am now in] 10 years. Even if my fans can't get enough of my looks, I'd be bored by myself."

But at the moment, Cheung's fans can't seem to get enough of his sizzling on-screen presence.

As the finale of Triumph in the Skies II ended, prospects are looking even brighter for Cheung. His 10-year management contract with Jet Tone Productions ended last month, and his switch to China 3D (managed by film veteran Stephen Shiu Ding-yat) reportedly brought with it a record-high payment.

Cheung is excited about this new phase of his career, as he is being swamped with offers for film, TV, drama, music and advertising contracts.

"I have a lot on my plate," he says. "I don't have a goal or a character that I must play. I'm up for any characters. I hope to work with different co-stars and play different roles."

After almost two decades in the trade - and portraying a sophisticated and somewhat oddball character like Captain Cool - Cheung remains fascinated.

"I enjoy playing challenging characters," he says. "I feel it's easier for me to interpret a character that I don't get to play in everyday life." His recent on-screen persona is quite the opposite of his real life. While Captain Cool dates a different woman every night, Cheung has been happily married to fellow actress Anita Yuen Wing-yee for more than a decade. Their son Morton celebrates his seventh birthday in November.

Despite the paparazzi attention that haunts this high-profile celebrity family, Cheung tries his best to keep their life undisturbed.

"From the first day Anita and I decided to be together, we were prepared for [the attention]," he says. "And my kid as well … he's been under the spotlight since he was born."

Deciding to settle down and start a family in 2001 might have been hard to justify to his fans, but Cheung says he never regretted the decision.

"I, like everyone else, need a family to share my happiness and my sorrow with," he says.