'I'm glad that people remember me as Miss Dizzy'

Sri Ramadani, Contributor, Jakarta

Peggy Melati Sukma is locally known as Miss Pusiiiing (dizzy) after starring in a TV advertisement.

At 26, she has not only landed a high-profile career in entertainment and a degree from the University of Indonesia's school of social and political science but also maturity.

Although her career has not shot her to fame as fast as young actress Dian Sastrowardoyo, her effort and perseverance implies her talent. As proof, in 2000, she launched her biography, Peggy Melati Sukma My Self, her own homepage, www.peggymelatisukma.com, and two records entitled Aku Kangen Padamu (I Miss You), and My Wish in which she wrote several of the songs.

Besides acting, she is also a presenter on the Saturday night talkshow Angin Malam on RCTI, a model, and an activist at social organizations including Yayasan Peduli Anak Indonesia, Gerakan Peduli Pendidikan Yatim - DHUAFA and the Anti Violence Society.

However, the star of TV-dramas Siapa Takut Jatuh Cinta (SCTV, Sunday, 7 p.m.) and Gerhana (RCTI, Wednesday, 7 p.m.) also receives criticism from the public due to her mature-look on earlier episodes of Angin Malam.

The Cirebon-born actress has patented her famous yell of "Pusiiiing", an effort that sparked more controversy than praise.

Recently, she has changed her appearance, looking more pious with Muslim attire and has stopped wearing wigs.

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

I just wanna be myself who can enjoy my life. I don't want to be selfish. So although I am tired, I will keep doing my job. I can give many things to other people but can not give any to myself.

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

I have a high fighting spirit to do whatever I want and to reach an optimal end result.

And deplore?

There is only one thing. I'd be more brilliant if I were in a tight spot, but I don't like that condition. It can be a bad habit if I don't want to change the custom and I will be the person who always postpones a job and always takes a risk. I am very disciplined and I am able to appraise my positive and negative points.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I like to wear casual clothes so I can move easily. At 26, I want to cover up, so I wear Muslim clothes and jilbab (Muslim female headscarf). When I was 19 to 23 years old, I was a controversial actress who liked to wear transparent gowns, and yellow or green wigs. That was my growing age, but now, I have changed a lot and become a mature woman.

Sometimes, you wear complete Muslim attire and cover you hair, what's up with you?

I have always prayed to God not to take me before I fully dressed as Muslim and covered my hair. I have been training to wear my jilbab for the past four or five months, but sometimes, people will see me without it. I have yet to make a full commitment to follow Islamic guidelines. Like an athlete, I should join a Pelatnas (National Training Center).

Do you worry about your weight?

I have no problem with my weight and I never worry about that. But I have sensitive skin. From the top of my head to my feet, my skin needs extra treatments. But the most important thing is how to dress neatly while I am working. If there is no film shooting, I never wear make-up.

Whom do you admire?

I don't have an idol. I think, all people have positive and negative points. I admire actress Christine Hakim for her consistency in her career and I admire people like Siti Maryam, or Mother Mary who stuck to their chosen paths in life.

What makes you laugh?

Something funny whether it is a comic, film, or anything happened around us.

What makes you angry?

If I must wait for someone or something for a long time without any clear reasons. I was once so angry to all people during a shooting due to their mistakes, I had to wait for seven hours! Although I knew that they had prepared everything and they had given the reasons, I lost my temper as it didn't make sense.

What was the last book you read?

I routinely read books and I read all kinds of books. I can read two books at the same time. The last books I read were Entertainment Economy and Boundless Healing.

So, you like to read about that?

I can't say whether I like it or not. I just benefit from the author's message.

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

If someone underestimates another person. and I also hate people who become arrogant because of their social status.

What makes you sad?

I can't stand if I see a violence, either to an animal or in a war or chaos. I will be upset if I see it.

What makes life worth living?

If I can be meaningful for other people when I'm doing my work.

Do you have a favorite song?

I like the Greatest Love of All very much. Its lyrics about children gives me spirit.

And movie?

Wow, I rarely go to the movies. I am very busy and I work form 7 a.m to midnight everyday. I just watch VCDs.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an ordinary person who can share whatever I can give with others.

Do you have any regrets in your life?

When I was five or six years old, I felt guilty about what I did to my maid, but I forgot what I was doing to her at that time. She cried and asked to resign after I hurt her. It was 21 years ago and I still regret the incident. Her name was Atun, and she was disabled. I still remember she had 13 fingers, and a fake leg. One day, if I meet her, I would beg for her forgiveness.

What characteristics do you love in a man?

First, he must understand religion and must be a Muslim. A religion is a choice and commitment, if we don't understand it, it's stupid. These are not characteristics but qualifications (laugh). Second, he has to have knowledge and third, he must have a job. All three will automatically show his positive characteristics.

When will you marry someone?

I never plan a marriage as I believe that my soulmate, my destiny and other things have already been prearranged by God. When I fell in love at the age of 20, I said I was ready to marry my boyfriend and I repeated the same words in the following years. I must say that I will be ready any time.

Are you tired of being Ms Peggy 'Pusiiiing'?

No, I thank God for that. It will be Peggy's legacy when I die. I'm glad that people still remember an actress who always says "Pusiiiing". I was called Miss Pusing three or four years ago and it still goes on even though I have transformed into a mature woman now. I just thank God because hardly any celebrities have such a popular characteristic. Krisdayanti is called KD and Conny Sutedja is famous as Ibu Hebring (Mrs. Superb).

What is the cost of popularity?

It doesn't mean a lot and it's just history. I mean, it just a byproduct of what I have done.

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

I would fully cover my hair, ask for my parent's forgiveness and do something for other people and pets. If I find a pet which lost its way or wounded, I'd rescue it and take care of it.