Tatler Progenies: Actress Lim Shi‑An takes the lead in her first feature film

Go beyond the spotlight and discover Lim Shi-An’s passion for diverse and challenging roles

She may be all glamour girl in this feature, but actress Lim Shi‑An will have you know that she is not in the least opposed to playing less‑than‑glam characters on both the screen and stage. A prime example: her role in home‑grown director K Rajagopal’s 2023 short film In the Pipeline, released as part of a campaign for a Singapore government‑led initiative. In it, she dexterously plays the protagonist, Vanessa, a plumber who is not afraid to get down and dirty.

Her portfolio thus far also includes, in Lim’s own words, “quite a few roles that are complex and emotionally turbulent”, which she shares are her favourite kind of roles. “I think that I struggle to navigate my own emotions sometimes in real life, and exploring the extent of my vulnerability through acting is extremely rewarding and cathartic,” says the 25‑year‑old actress, who holds a business and art degree from the National University of Singapore. “I like to play rebellious teenagers, because I was never one, and manipulative characters, because manipulation is an extremely intricate art form. I also love to play characters who are genuine and earnest.”

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As a child of thespian royalty—her father is the award‑winning stage and screen actor Lim Yu‑Beng and her mother, actress Tan Kheng Hua, of Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, Crazy Rich Asians and Kung Fu fame—Lim was exposed to performing from a young age. “Being in a family of artistes has [also] exposed me to so many educational things about this profession that inform many of my career choices,” adds the School of the Arts Singapore alumna.

Speaking of choices, it is heartening to learn that Lim is a firm believer of supporting fellow contemporaries. “If I’m up for a role that I feel may also be suitable for a talented actor friend of mine, I make sure to pass on the casting details. I don’t believe in being secretive or gatekeeping. I love recommending my friends to directors and producers,” she says. “I have so many brilliant friends in the industry who deserve the same opportunities [I have].”

With her feet firmly planted on the ground, Lim is all set to truly step out from under the shadow of her illustrious lineage with Chicago‑based Singaporean filmmaker and animation artist Charlotte Hong’s debut feature, Tropical Rain, Death Scented Kiss. A queer love story set in a fictional apocalyptic version of Singapore, it marries live action with animation, and is filmed in the US and Singapore. “It’s my first feature film and I play the lead!” she exclaims with pride.

Photo 1 of 4 A still from Shi An's shoot with Tatler Singapore

Photo 2 of 4 Actress Lim Shi-An shines in diverse roles, from a gritty plumber to the lead in a queer love story.

Photo 3 of 4 Shi-An effortlessly rocks a beverage in hand and a Givenchy dress.

Photo 4 of 4 Expect a nuanced performance marking a new milestone for Shi-An.

A still from Shi An's shoot with Tatler Singapore

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While production has only just recently wrapped this May, the film has already garnered notice from industry insiders. At the 2020 Singapore International Film Festival, it was recognised with the Southeast Asian Film Lab’s Fellowship Prize. Hong and the film also earned a Special Mention at the awards ceremony of the 2022 edition of Talents Tokyo, a talent development and networking programme.

If Lim’s past performances are anything to go by, we can expect a delicately nuanced turn from her that brings relatability to the character in a way that is uniquely her own—possibly marking a new milestone in forging a distinct path of her own in the industry. Stay tuned.

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Credits

Content Direction: Adriel Chiun

Fashion Direction: Adriel Chiun

Photography: Zantz Han

Photography Assistant: Elias Hassan

Hair: Leong using Kevin Murphy

Make-Up: Grego using Shu Uemura

Stylist's Assistant: Jasmine Pereira