'Passion makes life worth living'

Top Indonesian bodybuilder I Gusti Agung Rai Kusumayudha, or Ade Rai, has a successful career as a bodybuilder, is a graduate of the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences and has several fitness center branches in Jakarta and Bali.

The 30-year-old Ade became interested in bodybuilding in 1989 while studying in Bandung, but only when he moved to Jakarta did it become more than a hobby. The second son of I Gusti Rai Widjaja and Selena Susanti recently won the Superbody competition in New York in May and the 10th Anniversary Musclemania World Championships in Anaheim, California, in November despite his three-year ban by the International Bodybuilding Federation and the Asian Body Building Federation.

Ade, who plans to take two years off from competing, spoke with The Jakarta Post's Primastuti Handayani.

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

I want to have talent in music, because I am a big zero in it. I have great talent in sports but not in music. I guess if I had the choice, I'd be a musician.

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

My pride, and it really helps me win competitions.

And deplore?

Lots of them. But mostly that I often delay my work.

Whom do you admire?

As an athlete, I really admire other athletes whose lives and hard work can be a good example for me. I really like Evander Holyfield.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Something casual. I like clothes that are white, blue or black.

What was the last book you read?

Nutrition Bible. I read it because I am writing a book about nutrition and I got many references from the book.

What makes you angry?

Traffic jams. It makes us less productive.

When was the last time you were angry?

Monday (Dec. 11). I was stuck on the flyover next to Plasa Slipi Jaya for three hours because of heavy rain.

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Hypocrisy, not being honest.

Are we alone in the universe?

No. I believe in the existence of other creatures. In my religion (Hinduism), we believe in the presence of our ancestors' spirits.

What makes you laugh?

This question, ha...ha....

And cry?

When I'm overexcited. Mostly if I see athletes who have been training with me, have good poses, are healthy and win a championship. It means a lot to me. It's really a surprise.

What is your favorite smell?

Perfume. I like something that smells fresh, like Calvin Klein perfume.

If there was something you could change about your appearance, what would it be?

I want to have darker skin. I have been sunbathing every day but still I can't make my skin darker.

What makes life worth living?

Passion.

Do you have a favorite song?

Wow, that's difficult. I have favorite songs for training and I have others for during my spare time. It really depends on my mood. But I like most of Mariah Carey's songs. I think she always makes other singer's songs sound much better than the original.

And movie?

Watching movies is my hobby. I can watch movies on video every day. I like all kind of movies. My favorite movie is Sound of Music, and I remember all the songs in it. I also love Over the Top with Sylvester Stallone. It's a B-movie but it makes me love bodybuilding. I also like A Bronx Tale with Robert de Niro.

What is your favorite food?

Ice cream. It's actually not allowed except during the off- season. But I have been eating more now because I want to take one or two years off from competing.

What characteristics do you love in women?

Femininity but independent.

Do you ever worry about your weight?

Definitely, because it's my business. When competing my ideal weight is about 86 or 87 kilograms. But when I am off, it can reach 100 kilograms.

What is your favorite place to hang out?

Movie theaters. I really like to go to the TIM movie theater because it's not as crowded as other places.

What is the cost of popularity?

I really appreciate what I have now. Besides, I am not chasing popularity. The cost is probably that I must always be nice on every occasion, although at the moment I may really be angry.

If people don't know me, it's OK for me to be angry anytime, anywhere. But even on the street when people are driving recklessly and I am about to get angry, I can't because they know me.

What will you be doing 20 years from now?

I really hope to be in better physical condition than today. I'm looking forward to getting older. It is a challenge for me. I want to prove that bodybuilding can help people live healthier lives. At least I want to have exactly the same physical condition I have right now.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a nice person.

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

Go through it as our destiny.