'I think my body odor is sexier than anything else'

Sri Ramadani, Contributor, Jakarta

The young and talented Indonesian actress, Ine Febriyanti, 26, has shown her admirable acting on the theater stage at least twice.

First, she played the role of Miss Julie -- a work of Dramawan Swedia and Johan August Strindberg in 1999 -- and second, she played Miss Kedjora in Opera Primadona, a piece from Indonesian director Nano Riantiarno in 2000.

Ine, who was born in Semarang, Central Java, has also collaborated with Japanese, American and Filipino actors in a theater performance titled The Whale on The South Sea which was performed in Tokyo and Okinawa in 2000.

The mountaineering and sports enthusiast also plays the main role in noted director Aria Kusumadewa's film Beth in which she played together with senior actresses Paquita Widjaya, Nurul Arifin, Renny Jayusman and actor El Manik.

She has starred in several sinetrons (TV soap operas) such as Darah Biru (Blue Blood), Si Luet, Marinka, Dewi Selebriti, and Sampek-Engtay.

The 26-year-old girl who has tried her luck as an advertising model, presenter and singer, was a jury of the recent French Film Festival in Indonesia.

If you had the choice, what would you be doing now?

I want to be a director. It's my dream. I want to learn how to direct a good film. I have made a short film titled Cinderella and I have sent it to the Indonesian Independent Film Festival.

Do you have an ambition in your career?

No, ambition can destroy everything that I have built up. I just want to enjoy what I have reached. But, yes, everyone must have ambition. I have an ambition to make a different and accepted film.

What was the last role you played?

Beth in the film Beth directed by Aria Kusumadewa. I played the role of a mentally ill girl.

What role do you most like?

I like all of them as playing any characters provides its own challenge. I like the role of Dewi Selebriti as it was my first sinetron (in 1998). People liked it very much. Miss Julie was my first theater performance and it was the most beautiful experience that I had in 1999.

If you played together with a Hollywood actor in a film, what would you do?

I don't want to do it as I would not be able to act. It is impossible and not an obsession of mine.

Which do you prefer -- being a sinetron, film or theater actress?

All of the three. I can get a lot of money in a sinetron, I can learn and explore a role in theater, and I get satisfaction by playing in a film. But I prefer theater if I consider the satisfaction aspect. If I am broke, I will be a sinetron star.

Whom do you admire among Indonesian film stars?

I like Dian Sastrowardoyo, and Christine Hakim for her great dedication to the film world.

Do you have a favorite spot to hang out with friends?

Whoaa ... I like to go to Blok M, Bulungan or Hard Rock Cafe but it depends on my mood.

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

I can easily introspect when I've made mistakes or when I have a problem, I will thank God and be able to take it.

And deplore?

I am the person who easily loses concentration when driving a car like I'm doing right now, and I can easily panic.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I like casual clothes and I'm trying to wear more feminine outfits.

What makes you angry?

If someone slaps my face. I am seldom angry.

When was the last time you were angry?

Four months ago, I was angry with someone. You don't need to know his name.

What is your favorite smell?

I don't like the smell of perfume, I like a natural fragrances. (I think) my body odor is sexier than anything else.

What makes you laugh?

When I feel that I have won something, I will laugh alone, ha ... ha ... (laugh).

What makes life worth living?

If I understand how to solve my life problems.

What makes you sad?

If I have no ability to do my duties.

Do you have a favorite song?

I like Sting's songs as they give inspirations to many things and the music is very good. Have you ever heard the songs?

And movie?

There are many favorite movies -- Natural Born Killers, Run Lola Run, Romeo and Juliet. I recently watched Chaos, a French film which was screened during the French Film Festival.

What is the cost of popularity?

I am more proud if my popularity comes because of my creativity. I don't need people to clap hands for me. The most important thing is my useful works.

Do you have any regrets in your life?

All trials in my life are good for my survival. I may not have any regrets.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?

I would go and stay at the Alpine mountain range or would be other person, I don't want to be myself. Mmmm ... I would to be a bird (laugh).

How would you like to be remembered?

As the person who is useful for others. I think everyone has the same wish, I don't know how to answer.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

I hate the man who is hypocritical and always takes anything into consideration. The man who dares to admit his faults and wants to make corrections, must be a good person.

Do you have a boyfriend and any plan to marry him?

Yes, I have a close friend but not yet a plan a marry.

What is your idea of the perfect day off?

I like to go to the mountains or beach together with my friends.