This round’s on actor/singer Benjamin Heng

SINGAPORE — It might be hard to see Benjamin Heng on a bar-top grinding fervidly for the delight of the fairer sex. Like most guys with his height and cheeky, almost boyish charm, the actor looks more akin to play the part of the discreet bar boy (if there was such a thing). But acting isn’t just about putting on an act. And as far as the demands of his latest role is concerned, it is Heng’s versatility that shines.

In the Toggle telemovie Shy Guys, which debuts today, the FLY Entertainment artiste plays one of three bashful blokes forced to find and channel their inner Chippendale to save a friend’s ailing bar business.

Heng has come a long way since Eating Air, his debut movie under film-maker and friend Kelvin Tong. His last film project was MediaCorp Channel 8’s Recruit Diaries.

Drinks-wise, Heng knows enough to be able to navigate his way behind the bar. And clued-up enough to suggest a tipple that best represents his character’s alter ego in Shy Guys. “It would probably be absinthe. My character is fast and furious when it comes to playing his games. Just like the drink which is really potent! But if you were to not touch the drink, nothing would happen to you, just like the character I play, who can be really shy ... unless provoked!”

Of course, there’s a difference between “reel” and real life for the young father of a four-year-old daughter. “(We have) totally nothing in common,” Heng said, as far as bar-top boogying is concerned. “My character in the movie is a fanatic gamer and not that much of a party goer. Me, in real life, man I can really drink! Ask the folks who know me,” he laughed.

For more details on Shy Guys, visit http://www.toggle.sg/

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Q: How many drinks (and what kind) would it take for you to brave a solo performance?

A: Tequila is my nemesis! It would take a lot of other drinks for me to perhaps brave a solo but just a couple shots of tequila and I am gone.

Q: Describe your ideal watering hole.

A: To me, it’s really the company that counts. It could be at a pub, a club, at the KTV or even at a home BBQ, as long as there’s good company with loads of drinks, it will rock.

Q: Your preferred poison to kick-start a night out on the town?

A: A double shot of single malt on the rocks will always do the trick. It’s got to be smooth but rocking.

Q: Your favourite sip, swig and chug this festive celebrations?

A: For festive celebrations, I normally would pop the bubblies. The more the merrier.

Q: Eggnog or mulled wine?

A: Haven’t tried either and most probably would not. I’ve never liked my drinks warm, not even sake. I’m not very adventurous in this area. I’m also not a dessert person and am lactose intolerant; hence, eggnog is a no-no.

Q: One of the most enjoyable drink and Christmas dish pairing you can recall?

A: Every Christmas is usually spent with two of my closest buddies: Kelvin Tong, the film director who discovered me, and Chong Kim Soon, the lead singer in Pink Punk, a Mandarin band I started with Kelvin. We will almost always end up at one of our homes for cookouts. And we usually start the ball rolling with champagne paired with fresh oysters. Kelvin, who is now based in Hong Kong working on his next film, will be back for Christmas this year so we will be looking forward to that meet-up once again!

Q: Care to share some three wise words on on enjoying your spirits this holiday season?

A: Drink responsibly! Never drink and drive! Peace Out!

For the full story, visit http://tdy.sg/todayfood