Darren Lim Faces Risky Travels While Filming Rail Life Story

Singaporean actor Darren Lim, aged 53, is currently starring in the documentary series Rail Life Story, which highlights the diverse human experiences encountered during train travels. Lim’s segment takes him to Bangladesh, a country known for its high population density and significant economic struggles.

As Lim travels in the days leading up to Eid, he finds that train journeys become increasingly chaotic. The overcrowded conditions force some passengers without tickets to take dangerous risks, such as climbing onto the roofs of trains to secure a way home. During his time in the country, Lim accompanied a leather craftsman and his family of seven on a grueling nine-hour journey from Dhaka to their hometown.

In an interview with 8Days, Lim described the scene of jam-packed trains in Bangladesh as a “spectacle.” He remarked, “We’ve seen such sights on the news many years ago, but the local authorities have been determined, and continuously working to prevent people from doing this.” While he did witness some individuals climbing atop the trains, he noted that the reality was not as terrifying as he initially imagined.

Lim expressed a sense of conflict regarding the portrayal of such scenes. He understands the documentary’s purpose—to document harsh realities—but he also prefers not to confront these situations personally. For locals, climbing on a train roof is not merely an adventure; it represents a significant risk to their safety, often just to return home.

Despite facing challenging conditions, including poor sanitation, Lim managed to avoid any health issues during his trip. He attributes his resilience to past experiences in remote regions of Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. “If the place isn’t challenging, they wouldn’t send me there,” he joked, adding that he believes his stomach is more adaptable than most. “As long as I don’t drink iced water, I usually don’t have problems,” he noted.

Lim’s adventurous spirit is well-known, and he often seeks out unfamiliar destinations for both work and personal travel. However, this penchant for exploration raises concerns for his wife, actress Evelyn Tan, who worries about his safety during these risky travels. Lim acknowledged her concerns, revealing that she often tries to dissuade him from visiting places considered dangerous.

Despite the challenges, Lim reassures Tan before his journeys. He stated, “I told her, ‘You have to trust me. Until I reach my destination, I am Superman.’” He also emphasizes the importance of self-care and looking out for those around him, providing some comfort to his wife as he embarks on these demanding adventures.

This article was originally published in 8Days. For more engaging stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/.