I was told that the boss would be expecting my call.
So I called the number I was given and someone I assumed was the boss's assistant answered.
I introduced myself and asked to speak to the boss.
The assistant said the boss was busy.
That was when I said: "Do you know who I am?"
I realised almost right away that was a mistake.
What I meant was "I'm told he is expecting my call". Instead I came across as "Do you know how important I am? So don't fuck with me."
I left my number with the assistant, but the boss never called back and I never got the interview.
I can imagine the assistant telling the boss: "This asshole just called and wanted to speak to you. I told him you were busy and he said 'Do you know who I am?'"
Boss: "Really? Who the hell does he think he is?"
Assistant: "You want to call him back?"
Boss: "Fuck him."
So I can believe that when Rui En said "Do you know who I am?" to the guy whose motorbike she knocked over, she didn't mean "Do you know what a big star I am? So don't fuck with me."
On the other hand, I have met Rui En.
It was maybe 10 years ago when I was working at MediaCorp. I was auditioning actresses for the lead in a new Channel 5 TV pilot I was developing.
I remember Belinda Lee, who really put a lot of effort into the audition, but she was too "drama" and not comedic enough for the role. Still, I liked her.
And then there was Rui En.
I have auditioned many actors and actresses before, but Rui En was the first to walk out of an audition.
My guess is that there was some misunderstanding about what she was doing there. I never found out exactly what happened.
I was in the middle of giving her direction in the audition room when she just decided she wasn't doing it anymore and walked out. She never explained why.
But judging by her haughty attitude at the audition, if she were to explain, I suspect what she would say is: "Do you know what a big star I am? Why should I audition for you?"
In other words: "Do you know who I am?"
