Dian places acting career ahead of babies

By I. Christianto

JAKARTA (JP): In the film To Die For, actress Nicole Kidman decides not to have a baby for fear that the pregnancy would ruin her career as a television anchor. Indonesian actress Dian Nitami, in real life, has also delayed having a baby for the sake of her position as one of the country's leading television stars.

Dian Meutia Nitami, who turned 28 last June, was recently married to actor Anjasmara.

"I enjoy my profession, starring in television series. I have decided, with Anjas' agreement, not to get pregnant immediately," she said.

"If I get pregnant, though, we'll be very happy. It's a gift from God," said Dian, adding that she understands a woman is physically ideal to carry and bear babies until about the age of 35.

She says her life philosophy is "serious, but not to the point of being rigid".

Dian has many cats, and believes the pets would not be a problem if she became pregnant.

"I don't know exactly how many cats I have, perhaps 25, but I do know them well one by one."

She introduced Tulus, Whisky, Brandy, Belang, Bedi and Dora, who live with her and her husband at her home in Jelambar, West Jakarta.

"It's hard to say who I love most, Anjas or the cats," she laughed.

Talking about her profession, she believes that she has a huge opportunity to play a variety of roles in more television series.

"I understand that the career span of television stars is limited. Therefore they have to play various characters while people still enjoy their acting. And yes, I don't want to be a stereotype. I'll try any character," she says.

Dian has appeared in dozens of series. She played an ill-fated woman in the legendary Badai Pasti Berlalu (The Storm Will End). Now she plays a tortured wife traditionally beaten by her sick husband in Janji Hati (Promises) currently on SCTV.

"I try to play all kinds of characters, protagonists and antagonists. In Jangan Ucapkan Cinta (Don't Say Love) which will be aired soon, I play a bitchy woman. This is also a challenge for me, as I have to be able to switch my role within 24 hours, since it's in the same process as Janji Hati."

But she is not interested in playing in an action series, particularly those with fighting sequences.

"I am a feminine type of woman and I don't like martial arts," she explains.

She says she will refuse a project, even the most interesting one, if her counterparts are "difficult" people.

"How can I act well if I have bad moods due to the presence of other actors I hate to be with? Shooting is a long process."

Dian says Senyum Bidadari (The Angel's Smile) is her most memorable project as it was at the shooting of that series that she met Anjas for the first time and fell in love.

Dian debuted as a model in a teenage magazine some 13 years ago. As often happens in Indonesia, where models turn to acting, Dian took part in the comedy Atas Boleh Bawah Boleh (Easy Going) as her first big-screen project. Her last movie was Ksatria dan Perwira (Heroes and Officers), filmed more than four years ago.

She is also a host of VMI (Indonesian Music Video), which is now in its seventh year on RCTI. This program brought her the Panasonic award for best presenter a couple years ago.

"I've had many experiences and gained many lessons so I feel more qualified in acting. I can't deny that I have also won popularity, a career as well as a good income."

"For this, I must thank God that while many people are suffering due to the crisis in Indonesia, some others are still enjoying my shows on television, giving us the chance to make money," she said.

How much does she make? "It ranges between Rp 1 million to Rp 20 million per episode."

In the midst of her tight shooting schedule, Dian still had the time to appear in a recent product launch for a leading cosmetics company.

Many guests at the event, mostly wealthy middle-aged women, approached Dian asking for her signature.

"You're my favorite, I like your acting," said a woman.

Another asked for a signature for her daughter.

The 170-centimeter, 55-kilogram Dian, with her friendly smile, did not disappoint them.

A guest, a mother of two, said that she liked Dian but did not idolize her.

"I like her, but I hate seeing her in Janji Hati. Probably due to the role. I think she can perform better," she said.

Adji Massaid, Dian's husband in Janji Hati, who also attended the product launch, said his co-star has wonderful talent. "I can learn many things from her."

Yato Fionuala, the TV series director, said Dian performs well in a team. "She always tries to be on time, she acts well and has a wide knowledge. She is also willing to listen to others' opinions. In short, she's a pro."

Dian, who wanted to become a physician when she was young, is a graduate from the management school of the STEKPI Banking and Finance Institute. She believes that playing in television series does have limits and that she won't keep acting forever.

"It's a bit cliched to say, but I'll be performing while I'm still needed by the audience and directors. But I do have other goals. I plan to pursue a higher education," she said.