IT'S second-time lucky for actress Mindee Ong, who returns as director Royston Tan's leading lady in his new getai-flavoured movie 1028.

The $1.3 million production, opening in August, tells the life story of a singer and the man in her life, played out against the backdrop of poignant Hokkien songs.

The movie is not billed as a sequel to getai flick 881, also directed by Royston, even though it stars other 881 alumni such as Liu Lingling and Qi Yuwu, and features 881's key crew members.

Mindee, who will finish filming 1028 at the end of the month, told The New Paper that she is 'very honoured' to be chosen by Royston.

But who can ignore the glaring omission of Mindee's other Papaya Sister Yeo Yann Yann in 1028?

In 881, Yann Yann was Big Papaya, while Mindee played Little Papaya.

And even though Yann Yann has a small supporting role in 1028 as a 'villain' who once again shares a 'passionate' scene opposite Yuwu (he played her boyfriend in 881), it's almost like being left out of a reunion party where every other teammate was invited.

But cheerful Yann Yann, 31, told The New Paper in a separate phone interview: 'I respect Royston's decision. Anyway, 1028 is not a prequel or sequel to 881 and everyone's playing different characters, so maybe he needs a different combination.'

Mindee, 28, claimed that she 'never even thought about' why Yann Yann was excluded because 'it's a totally different movie'.

Royston clarified that having only one lead actress this time was 'a script requirement' and he had always had Mindee in mind.

He added: 'It was a deliberate move to split them up, so the 881 association wouldn't be so strong. Yann Yann is a good actress, which is why I want her to still be a part of 1028.

'Actually I have a bigger plan for Yann Yann. I want to cast her in another project which will be purely on her. So I've told her to prepare and pace herself for it.'

POLAR OPPOSITES

Both Papaya Sisters denied there is any 'sibling rivalry' or friendly competition between them post-881.

When asked to describe their relationship - sisters, friends, partners or colleagues (both are managed by Fly Entertainment) - Mindee chimed: 'All of the above!

'But we've been so busy we've hardly contacted each other,' she added.

Yet, whenever they are engaged to sing as the Papaya Sisters at events, they 'click like magnets' again.

Character-wise, both feel they are polar opposites, which is why they go for very different roles.

Yann Yann said: 'People won't ask her to play a mother, but I will accept it.'

Mindee said: 'Certain roles she can do and I can't, such as acting as an executive in a power suit. I'd look strange. I usually get stereotyped playing girls in their early 20s.'

And then there's the industry talk that Mindee - who was conferred the title of Babe Of The Year at last year's The New Paper Flame Awards - has outshone Yann Yann in popularity.

Mindee scoffed: 'Nonsense! Maybe it's because I went from a zero (nobody) to a six, so it's more obvious, whereas Yann Yann went from a three to a six because people already knew of her.'

Yann Yann, who won a Life! Theatre Award for Best Actress last year for Thunderstorm, said: 'I wouldn't say (Mindee) has become more popular than me because we appeal to different markets.

'Who-fights-who is not important, because there are so many artistes and the industry is so small. Everyone has their time. So if it's your turn, please enjoy it!'

To Mindee, the only difference is that the media and public pay her more attention now and have become more 'aware' that she is 'serious about acting'.

But it is not as if she has received a pay hike, although she revealed Royston gave her an increment for 1028.

'Nothing has changed drastically - it's not like I'm suddenly staying in a bungalow. I still go for auditions like other talents.

'But the lucky thing is that casting directors and producers are actually thinking of me now. It has also made life easier for my agency, which doesn't have to oversell me anymore.'

For the first half of this year though, Mindee is not taking other jobs because she wants to focus on 1028.

She said: 'I'm very bad at multi-tasking. My style is to do things one at a time. After every long project, I always feel drained and have to rest for a few weeks.

'Yann Yann is definitely more active than me. And she's too strong a stage performer, I can't compete with her.'

For Yann Yann, 881 - which grossed around $3.5 million at the box office - was a turning point that changed her career 'for the better' as she has been getting more corporate and commercial gigs.

'I'm happy that I'm not pigeonholed as Big Papaya and people have called me up for different roles.'

The Malaysia-born Singapore permanent resident has since played a mother in the indie feature film The Days, which will be screened at Sinema@Old School in September.

She has also appeared in plays such as National Language Class and Chesty Nutty Bang Bang, and co-hosted the Channel U variety series Food Goin' Bananas with Benjamin Heng.

TAKING A BREAK

Other than co-writing and bankrolling her very own play this year, Yann Yann has nothing acting-related on her plate.

'After graduating four years ago, I haven't stopped working,' she said.

'I want to take the time this year to quieten down, hone my craft, and reflect on where I am now and what I'm searching for.'

Perhaps one path Yann Yann can take is becoming a recording artiste?

After all, she contributed her vocals to the 881 soundtracks and has continued with her singing lessons.

A recent one-off performance of the Chinese classic Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin at Lunar club impressed the bosses so much, they asked her to return for a full 45-minute set, titled Stories, on 26 Apr.

Last month, she also started hosting her own radio show, Yann Yann's 43B, every Saturday at noon on Radio 100.3.

She is taking to the varied opportunities well.

The health-conscious artiste, who has graced the cover of food magazine Oh! Taste and Art magazine, was recently picked to be a spokesperson for leading US skincare brand Murad - which boasts a celebrity fan following including Hollywood stars Renee Zellweger and Uma Thurman.

She said: 'I was quite surprised they chose me as I've been labelled as an arty-farty actor, but I'm glad to be recognised for more commercial things... because I also need help with (putting money in my pocket)!'