Anita Mui has left tens of million of her fans forever as a cremation ceremony has been held in Hong Kong.

More than 6,000 people packed into a ceremony hall on Sunday to pay their last respects, including celebrities such as Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh.

A tribute to her was also held in the mainland. Entertainment celebrities, including renowned film director Feng Xiaogang and popular actress Zhao Wei, gathered in Beijing to commemorate the late superstar.

Anita Mui, or Mei Yanfang, died of lung failure arising from complications from cervical cancer on December 30th last year at the age of 40.

The self styled "Madonna of Asia" got her big break in 1982 when she won a talent contest, and later went on to make a name for herself with her outrageous costumes and stage performances.

She was also a successful actress, winning a Golden Horse award in 1987.

But many in Hong Kong will most remember her for the strength she showed last September when she publicly admitted to having cervical cancer.

Mui's private funeral is scheduled for Monday.

(Crienglish.com January 12, 2004)