'I want to be remembered as a regular person'

Dide Petet, the famous name of Didi Widiatmoko, is a chameleon in terms of his acting ability. The 45-year-old actor has successfully played a series of roles, from the sissy "Emon" to Sundanese figure "Kabayan" to an evil merchant in his latest film Pasir Berbisik. The Jakarta Post's Hera Diani interviewed him recently after the launching of the film.

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

A choice? (long pause) I don't know... a president maybe (laughs). I guess I don't have an answer, I'm confused.

What makes you tick?

My children, because I have six of them! It's crazy! (laughs).

Why do you have so many children?

I come from a big family and I've always wanted to have one and it has come true. My wife didn't object to it either.

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

(pause) I don't know.

And deplore?

Laziness. I don't like it but it often comes.

Whom do you admire? Prophet Muhammad, my parents.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Dark colored ones, so I won't look fat (laughs). I always try not to look too fat.

Do you worry about your weight?

Very much. I want to do something about it, but I don't have time to do it. But the problem is, I just can't stop eating! I really like to eat sambal (chilli sauce), ikan asin (salted fish) and lalap (raw vegetables). But I eat them with rice and there comes the problem (laughs).

What was the last book you read?

A book by Subagyo Sastrowardoyo called Sastra dan Kita (Literature and Us).

So, you like to read about literature?

I read anything, actually. What makes you angry?

Theft. I hate to see thieves, people who take others' rights away and don't feel guilty about it at all. Those people are given trust but don't honor it.

When was the last time you were angry?

Many times now ...

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Irresponsibility. I hate it when people do something but are unwilling to take responsibility for it. If you steal someone else's money then you have to be responsible, face the punishment instead of running away.

What makes you laugh?

My children, when they play around at home ... they really make me laugh.

What makes you sad?

Seeing people around me who are still poor and are suffering while this country is supposed to be prosperous.

What is your favorite smell?

Nature. The smell of the land, flowers, grass ... my wife (laughs).

What makes life worth living?

When you can do what your religion tells you to. You seem to be a religious person. Well, maybe. You could say that.

Do you have a favorite song?

Not really. I don't have one specific favorite song. I like any kind of music, it depends on my mood.

And movie?

I don't have a favorite actually, but there's a movie that really changed my point of view. It's called Brazil (a dark comedy directed by Terry Gilliam in 1985). I watched it in Canada in 1986. I wanted to watch it because Robert De Niro was in it. But it turned out that he only played a very small role!

The story was very unclear, but really enjoyable to watch. A man types something and then a fly enters the room and that is how the story starts. It goes all the way until the house is burned to the ground. It really amazed me.

De Niro only played a fireman who extinguishes a fire, shakes hands, says thank-you and then leaves. That's it! Really crazy.

Is there any role in a movie that you really want to take? Not specifically. I want to play any role. Give me a role and I'll do it, whatever it is.

What characteristics do you love in a woman?

The ability to work hard. To not be slow. And she has to have different ideas every day. Creative. And then we click when we talk.

What is the cost of popularity?

Privacy. And you sacrifice more for other people than you do for your own family.

Do you have any plan to have another child?

No, it's enough. My wife's already 43 years old, it would be too dangerous for her.

Do you have any regrets in your life?

A lot. The sins I've done ... I've got many things to regret.

How would you like to be remembered?

I don't want to be remembered as anyone. Just a regular person. Whatever people want to remember me by, as long as it's good (laughs).

If the world were going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?

Pray. Pray so we can be safe and so that I can be with my family ... Is that all? Why do you ask such difficult questions? I'm really confused (laughs).