'My husband reads the thick books and tells me about them'
Sri Ramadani, Contributor, Jakarta
She was the pretty toll booth girl in a TV commercial for a vitamin supplement, and its catchy two-word phrase shadowed actress Elma Theana in the early years of her career. She has now made a name for herself playing in locally produced soaps, including the current Pernikahan Dini, a story of teen pregnancy. The mother of a two-year-old daughter, Elma, 27, opens up about the balancing act of caring for her family and taking care of business on the set.
If you had the choice, what would you be doing now?
I would do just what I'm doing now.
What makes you tick?
The support from my husband and my family members. Their support relieves me from obstacles in my career. My husband has allowed me to continue my career as long as I am responsible to my family. He said I could go ahead, provided I came home at 10 p.m. and could spare time for my family every Sunday.
Which trait do you most like about yourself?
Well, it is hard to answer, as kindness or badness are assessed by another person. I think my goodness is due to God and the badness is part of human character.
And deplore?
Being fussy and emotional.
Whom do you admire?
I admire many prominent figures who I think have good personalities. I don't want to admire only one person.
What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
I like casual and masculine clothes because I don't want to look like an overly feminine woman.
Do you worry about your weight?
Yes, I do. If I am gaining, I have to do some exercise in the morning and don't have dinner. Now, my weight is 52 kg and I am on a diet.
What was the last book you read?
I read a book about religion (she is a Muslim) which was given to me by Ikang Fawzi (a musician and Marisa Haque's husband). God willing, my husband and I will do the pilgrimage next year. As I don't like reading very much, I usually ask my husband to read the thick books and tell me about what he has just read.
What makes you angry?
Many things. I easily get angry when I am tired and too lazy to chat after a shoot.
What characteristics do you dislike in others?
I don't like fakes. I met a friend in the mall and I said hello to him but he pretended not to recognize me. I really didn't like him at that moment.
What makes you laugh?
My daughter. She makes me laugh all the time, even when I am not in a good mood.
What makes you sad?
Many things. If I am watching a dramatic movie or I hear a sentimental song on the set, I can easily become sad and cry.
What is your favorite smell?
I have been collecting several perfumes as I don't like to use just one perfume. I'm wearing Cabotine now because of its fresh smelling fragrance.
What makes life worth living?
My family. If my family asked me to quit acting, I would do it. Without my family, I would not be as happy as nowadays.
Do you have a favorite song?
I like J Lo's songs very much. I like all of Jennifer Lopez's songs.
What characteristics do you love in your husband?
He is very patient and mature.
What is the cost of popularity?
Popularity sounds like it has many benefits but there is a disadvantage. I lost my privacy. I have to be a good-looking woman anytime and anywhere. I cannot wear sandals if I am shopping in the mall even though I really want to do it.
Do you plan to have another child?
God willing, I plan it after finishing the pilgrimage and my acting contract ends in 2002.
Do you have any regrets in your life?
No, I don't have any. Regrets only come if I start to think about it. The most important thing for me is happiness, and I have already got that.
How would you like to be known?
I would like to be known as an actress who is not snobbish, and can please my fans whenever I meet them.
If the world were going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Wow (confused), I have never thought about that. Oh, God ... if it happened, I hope I wouldn't die by something falling on top of me!
What three things would you bring with you to a desert island?
My daughter's picture (laughs), an umbrella to protect me from the sun as I am afraid of my skin getting dark, and a water dipper (laughs) in order to make things easy when I'm washing my hands.