Caroline Zachrie soars like an eagle in RI showbiz

By Asniar Sahab

JAKARTA (JP): Caroline Zachrie, one of Indonesia's leading models who is also a rising star in television series, idolizes Linda Evangelista because of the latter's chameleon-like ability to change her expressions on the catwalk.

Caroline believes malleability is the special mark of a model as it is needed to prevent the audience from getting bored. Caroline, whose exotic face somewhat resembles Sophia Loren, has climbed the ladder of fame in a world filled with glamor and sensation within a relatively short time.

Still single at 26, Caroline says she believes God knows what her path in life will be. It is God, she strongly believes, that determines marriage, death and fortune.

Question: What have you been busy doing lately?

Answer: I'm now a presenter for Melodia, a program on ANTV. It is slightly different from my former program, Serenada. Melodia leans more toward music. It is educational and more exciting because it has greater vigor and it is more fun. Besides that, I'm now completing the shooting of Romansa 21, a TV series.

What's your part in Romansa 21 and what is interesting about this series?

I play the main character, a woman searching for her own happiness through the happiness that she bestows upon others.

Who first introduced you to the modeling world?

Mbak Ghea Panggabean (who is a noted designer). She included me in one of her shows and, well, it was in Milan you see. Wow! I was so happy, especially because I was placed in an equal slot with top models like Ratih Sanggar, Larasati, Donna, Abel and so on.

Honestly, I was so scared and nervous. Luckily, I have been taught from early on to be independent. So, I tried to keep my composure. That was in 1995.

Then I joined Ekspose, a modeling agency owned by Mbak Laras, Kintan and Ratih. That was the period when I decided to devote my life to modeling.

In fact, I had wanted to join the modeling world since I was in senior high school, but my mom kept saying no and asked me to finish university first. After I had finished my studies I told my mom that I wanted to devote my life to modeling.

You started to star in TV series in the early stages of your modeling career. How did you manage to do that?.

Oh, it went like this: One day I got a phone call from Star Vision (production house) and they offered me a role in a TV series called Jalan Kehidupan (The Road of Life). I played a housemaid for only two episodes.

I played the main character in my second TV series, Selalu Untuk Selamanya (Always Forever). I appeared in 13 episodes of the series and was cast alongside top stars like Adjie Masaid, Sarah Azhari and others.

Opportunity doesn't knock twice. If I get an offer and I think I'm up to it, I take it and see it as my luck.

I thank God that I'm always lucky and that I have received so much from God. How easy it had been for me to become a model. Also to be an actress in TV series and a TV presenter. Everything has been plain sailing so far.

All this is God's blessing and I can never thank God enough for this.

Who is your favorite model?

I admire Linda Evangelista. She is beautiful and has a strong personality. More than anything else, she is expressive. In fact, this is important for a model because an ability to change (facial) expressions helps prevent people from getting bored with us.

We should be like a chameleon, if possible. That way, we can create surprises before the camera or the public. Unfortunately, many Indonesian models wear this rigid facial expression all the time.

What do you have inside your handbag?

First, my cell phone. Then, my make up because I hate looking worn-out. I must always look my best, that's my principle. Not that I need glittery make up, but simple touches so I don't look pale and worn-out. As a woman, I feel more confident when my make up looks fine. Just that.

One more thing, wherever I go I will have a novel with me. It is very useful to while away the time, especially while waiting for your turn during a shooting period.

What are your shortcomings?

I'm highly moody. I'm not a very patient person and can easily fly off the handle. But I have learnt to be more patient and to adjust to my surroundings.

Just an simple example: I am often made to wait for people who just can't be on time. Well, I stayed abroad for 15 years where everything runs as regularly as clockwork. The community in which I lived respected punctuality.

Which was why I was shocked to see how relaxed and indifferent some Indonesians are about time. It was quite stressful for me at first but I tried to adjust myself to the situation. But I still encounter people who can't keep their appointments on time.

What drives you to explode in anger?

When my friends betray me. For me, a friend is very important. We share stories, happiness and sorrow, with our friends. If a friend betrays us, we don't need to maintain their friendship.

A friend once betrayed me and I burst into anger because I had never thought that someone would betray me. I then kept my distance from that friend. Luckily that friend now lives abroad, which makes it easier for me.

What are your favorite colors?

I like red. This color exudes sensuality, sexual nuances. I also like black because it looks classic and inspires self- confidence.

Who is your favorite designer?

Biyan because his creations project an image that a woman can look pretty without being gaudy. Also, Biyan's designs are simple ... I don't like complicated designs. Biyan's designs are practical but very feminine. I also like Sebastian's designs because his creations are the image of glamor and 'Wow'!

Your favorite food?

I like Italian food, particularly pasta, since I was a child. It's very special. Hmm, just thinking about pasta makes me want to have some now. But even though I like pasta very much, I always have to remember that I must not gain weight. This means I cannot eat too much or too often. As a model I must take very good care of this body. This is my asset.

If you were to choose, what animal would you like to be?

An eagle. For me it symbolizes mystery. An eagle can fly freely and it looks fierce but it has the characteristic of an introvert.

I'm also an introvert, I am a very private person. I don't like telling people about my personal affairs because it is not the right thing to do.

Just like an eagle: it will react when it is disturbed and it can be real fierce. Well, I think I am like an eagle; perhaps it is quite like my own personality, ha ... ha ... ha ... ha... !

Do you ever feel lonely?

Very often.

What is your idea of an ideal husband?

One thing for sure: he must understand my present occupation. I don't want him to be intimidated by the entertainment world. I want him to look at me as I am, not because of my profession.

How do you wish to be remembered?

I want to be remembered simply as Caroline. It means I will be remembered because of my personality. I'm a quiet person by nature. I don't talk much and spend more time listening to other people. If I have a problem, for example, I prefer to settle it in my own way. In short, I want people to remember me for my personality.