It's a dog's life for modest Cheung

Some call him the 'King of Canto-pop' and some have even anointed him the 'God of Songs', but singer Jacky Cheung Hok-yau says he is just a simple man.

Cheung (above) recently voiced the Disney animation, Bolt, about a dog on a hit TV show that believes he is a super dog. Bolt uses his powers to protect its owner, Penny, from any danger - even off camera. But then it is accidentally shipped from its Hollywood soundstage to New York. Bolt is devastated to find out none of his 'superpowers' work in real life and struggles to accept being a normal dog.

Cheung, 47, one of Canto-pop's 'Four Heavenly Kings' and an all-round singer-actor, said the drama of his character's life reminded him of his own life. 'I am the real life character of Bolt,' he said, speaking at the Bolt premiere at Tseung Kwan O MCL Metro cinema this week.

At 23, Cheung's career took off, when - out of 10,000 contestants - he won the 1984 Hong Kong District Amateur Singing Contest. His rich baritone and wide vocal range, plus his good-guy image, made him one of the most popular entertainers in Asia.

'Working in the entertainment business, there are always people who will raise you up high and make you believe you are on top of everyone - make you feel over the moon,' he said.

'But there were times when I got lost too, wondering what made me so successful and famous.'