Qing Dynasty drama inspires cast, crew and industry insiders

"Did you shave your head for Legend of the Magnate, or was it a prop?" The question, posed by a curious industry insider, was directed at A-list actor Chen Xiao during a seminar held in Beijing earlier this week.

Momentarily taken aback, Chen smiled and replied, "I shaved my hair. It's impossible to rely solely on a prop. I've shaved my head multiple times for costume dramas."

His answer drew admiration from fellow experts and insiders attending the seminar, and also echoed a later reflection in which Chen spoke about how the character had inspired him to stay true to his original aspirations and persist in his career despite obstacles.

"The outside environment is changing rapidly. But staying with my fellow crew members while shooting TV dramas has always made me feel safe and comfortable — like going home. I know what I should do when I wake up every morning: follow the shooting schedule, know which scenes we are filming, and understand how the character's fate unfolds," said Chen, 39, who made his acting debut in 1997.