Multi-awarded international actor Chow Yun Fat clarifies during a promotional event that he shed off only 30 pounds, not 40 as rumored, and feels more comfortable and healthier.

"It's 30 pounds. Since shooting From Vegas to Macau last year, all that is left of me is bones! I will not get any skinnier," Chow said jokingly, without mentioning the reason behind his weight loss.

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"I can walk faster now!" Chow said, and to prove his agility, he's been going hiking on the hills every week.

Chow first caught the attention of western audiences with his high-octane action roles as the hit-man with a heart of gold in John Woo's "The Killer",  and on equally popular films such as "Crouching Tiger", "Hidden Dragon" and "Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End" as Sao Feng.

In Asia, Chow is known for his collaboration with filmmaker John Woo in melodramatic crime films "A Better Tomorrow", "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled".

He has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for "Best Actor" and two Golden Horse Awards for "Best Actor" in Taiwan.

"From Vegas to Macau", Wong Jing's gambling movie shown in Hong Kong in January, is Chow's re-introduction in the country's film industry.

Chow is all praises for his co-star Nicholas Tse, who he admits was one of his considerations for accepting the role.

As for his weight loss, Chow's wife and manager Jasmine Tan commented "It's enough. He needs to stop!"  

Currently, Chow is shooting "Contemporary Musical Design for Living", a drama film starring Sylvia Chang, Eason Chan and Tang Wei under the direction of Johnnie To.

"The costume designer told me I have to lose more fat on my cheeks. Now I can't eat for the next ten days," Chow jokingly said.

Chow is a  superstar yet hardly noticed by his fans.

"Ninety percent of the people on the subway would be staring down at their phones. Who would even notice me? It's like stepping into an abandoned land!"

Chow Yun Fat lives a frugal lifestyle. Humble and gracious, unlike most of his colleagues who go for expensive cars and branded outfits, Chow prefers to commute in public transport wearing outdated clothes.  Knowing that part about Chou, many were surprised when he declared that he will donate his $1 billion HKD fortune to charity after his death.