'I want Indonesia to become like Las Vegas'
Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
When speaking about the world of magic in this country, one name and face stands out: Deddy Cahyadi Sundjojo, better known as Deddy Corbuzier.
The 27 year old, known for his Emperor Ming style haircut and makeup, is a regular on stage and TV, and he has taken magic out of the amateur stakes to that of a profession.
He also likes to work his magic on the streets: Recently, with his eyes closed, he demonstrated his telepathic skills by driving through the capital to find a friend who was in hiding.
Deddy said the Indonesian magic world was about 20 years behind other countries so he had to study abroad to garner the skills. A graduate of the School of Psychology at Atmajaya University, Deddy took many correspondence courses to improve his magic.
He also went to the International Brotherhood of Magician and Zizigy in New Orleans, Louisiana. Returning home after graduating, the young entertainer quickly rose to the top of the illusionist scene in the country, making magic for people from all walks of life.
Amid his busy schedule of performances, the bachelor recently opened up about the man behind the bag of magic tricks.
Question: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Answer: If I have nothing to do, have a lot of books in my hands, have more than 24 hours a day so I can read the books and have an air- conditioner in my room which I can enjoy the whole day.
Q: If you had the choice, what would you be doing right now?
A: Not having this conversation (laughs).
Q: What is your final fantasy?
A: I want to make Indonesia like Las Vegas where magicians become a respectable profession and the magic society is really appreciated. Here many still mistakenly compare magicians with dukun (shamans).
Q: Which trait do you most dislike about yourself?
A: I am pushing myself too hard because I am a persistent. If I want something, I will get it no matter what. Maybe I need to be little relaxed and take everything easy.
Q: Which living persons do you admire?
A: Harry Houdini, the father of modern magician. Because he's dead already, I admire him (laughs). Really, because he is the one pioneering modern magicians.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Yes.
Q: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
A: I am happy with what I am, so I think I want to be me.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Q: What was the last movie you watched?
A: The Brotherhood of the Wolf. That's a good one. I can appreciate films like Titanic for example, that's a good film too, people cry or are moved after watching such a movie but that's not my kind of movie. I pay to be entertained, I want to be happy and can create a fantasy after watching a movie.
Q: What makes you angry?
A: If people lie.
Q: Where do you want to live?
A: In Bali.
Q: What makes you embarrassed?
A: If I am late. I live in Bintaro, traffic here is not so good but if I have to go to make an appointment with someone and I am late because of the traffic, I will never use it for an excuse. It's so embarrassing.
Q: Do you ever worry about your appearance?
A: No, never. I am happy with what I look like now although I know that I am a bit too fat.
Q: What would you change about your appearance?
A: Yes, probably lose a few kilos.
Q: What makes your life worth living?
A: Friends. I have great friends. I go abroad, meet people and make friends. I think because I have friends, that makes my life worth living.
Q: Do you have favorite song?
A: I love Enya's songs. Beautiful face, wonderful voice.
Q: Do you have any favorite movies?
A: Jack Nicholson's As Good As It Gets and a Hong Kong film called The Treasure Hunter.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Anything that's spicy. I really love Padang food.
Q: What is the quality you most like in a woman?
A: Intellectuality and beauty. For me, beauty comes second because it is corrupted by age. If we think about marriage, then sex and beauty will always be secondary, what really is important is communication. I need someone who can I talk to.
And don't forget legs....what's the good use of a smart, beautiful woman but her legs don't touch the ground. (laughs)
Q: Is there anything you regret about your life?
A: Yes, that I cannot play the piano.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: Among my fans, I want to be remembered as magician who can entertain them, and I also want to be remembered as Indonesia's father of modern magicians.
Q: Which talent would you most like to have?
A: I wish I could play piano. I am obsessed, I really want to play piano! My mother plays the organ but piano is different.