18-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) Renowned action star Jet Li, known for his electrifying martial arts performances on the silver screen, has been spotted attending a significant Tibetan Buddhist ceremony in Singapore. The event, titled the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Grand Puja 2024, took place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on the 14th and 15th of September, drawing attention not only for its spiritual significance but also for the unexpected presence of the reclusive Hollywood icon.
The two-day gathering, orchestrated by the Drikung Kagyu (Singapore) OM Centre, featured teachings from the esteemed Tibetan Buddhist master, Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche. Attendees were treated to a rare glimpse of Li, who has largely shied away from the public eye in recent years, as he participated wholeheartedly in the event’s rituals and prayers.
Li, who became a Singaporean citizen in 2009, appeared to be fully immersed in the spiritual proceedings. His presence at such an event has piqued interest, given his infrequent public appearances of late. The martial arts legend’s involvement in the Buddhist ceremony offers a stark contrast to the high-octane roles that catapulted him to international stardom in the 1990s.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Li’s recent activities, a user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu reported spotting the actor at a performance of the dance drama “A Dream of Red Mansions” at the Esplanade Theatre on 14th September. This sighting suggests that Li may be gradually re-emerging into public life, much to the delight of his long-time fans.
The actor’s retreat from the limelight has been a subject of concern and speculation among his admirers. In 2013, Li disclosed that he was grappling with a series of health challenges, including hyperthyroidism and spinal issues. These revelations shed light on his decreased on-screen presence and limited public engagements.
Concerns about Li’s well-being intensified in 2018 when photographs depicting him in a frail state circulated widely on social media, sparking worried discussions about his health. However, just a year later, the actor was seen looking notably more youthful and vigorous, allaying some of the public’s fears.
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Li’s most recent cinematic outing was in the 2020 live-action adaptation of “Mulan”, where he portrayed the emperor of China. This role, while not as physically demanding as his earlier work, demonstrated that the actor still possesses the gravitas and screen presence that made him a global star.
