‘Pretending in real life is the worst part of celebrity’

Bruce Emond ,  The Jakarta Post - WEEKENDER   |  Wed, 04/22/2009 7:20 PM  |  20/20

Meriam Bellina is one of the few famous entertainers of the 1980s and 1990s who remains a household name and still makes headlines – including unwanted ones. With her pretty Eurasian looks, Bandung-born Meriam was the fantasy girl come true for the movie-going public in the age of big hair and shoulder pads (she also recorded several albums). Now, at the age of 44 and mother of two sons, she has moved on to playing scheming stepmoms with funny accents in TV sitcoms and soaps. “My favorite role was as Tante Usman, because I got to do everything,” she says of her unstable and overwrought character in the TV series Kisah Sedih di Hari Minggu (A Sad Story on a Sunday). When interviewed in mid-March, the twice-divorced Meriam was the hot topic in the infotainment world with assorted rumors of pregnancy and an alleged affair with a lawyer. Despite her admitted temper, she was not too bothered by the attention. “My work is my therapy,” she says. “I can just let go of my emotions in my job. Everybody has problems – just don’t dwell on them.”

Your mood right now?

Ah (laughs). Not so good. No, actually right now, it’s great. Just did my Pilates, and had some lunch. Malaysian kwetiauw (noodles) with lots of sambal.

Your most memorable memory?

Having my kids.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I love to stay home and cook!

If you hadn’t gone into entertainment, what would you like to have been?

I would like to be a housewife. So many things to do. It’s a 24-hour job.

Your best trait?

Totally giving. I like to give. I think others make fun of me because of it. And people say it’s not so good to be like that.

And worst?

My anger. I’m impatient. I cannot tolerate inexcusable stupidity.

Your guilty pleasure?

Shopping senselessly.

Happiest moment of your life?

Again, having my kids.

And saddest?

When my mom passed away. She was my best friend, she was my best enemy. I miss her.

Who or what has been your most important teacher?

My life so far.

Your life in three words …

Exhilarating, spontaneous and knowledge. Those are the words.

Biggest fear?

Losing my kids’ respect.

What is unforgivable?

Betrayal of love.

What is the craziest thing you’ve done?

Getting married without thinking. I guess that’s it.

Favorite food?

Anything that’s spicy. Except meat, I don’t eat meat of any kind. I only eat fish and vegetables.

Favorite song?

If We Hold On Together by Diana Ross.

Who inspires you?

My kids. They’re my world.

Favorite place in the world?

My bedroom. Because it’s my sanctuary and I feel safe there.

I would never …

Betray someone’s trust.

If you could solve one thing in the world today, what would it be?

Hatred and jealousy. They are the root of all problems.

What makes you bored?

Idleness.

Worst thing about being a celebrity?

Pretending to be happy when you’re not. Pretending in real life.

Any regrets?

No.

Two dream dinner guests, living or dead?

Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. They’re just unbelievable human beings.

Your motto?

Live your life, you only live once. And enjoy it.

Are you afraid of aging?

I’m not afraid of getting old. I’m afraid of getting old ungratefully.

Things to do before you die?

So many, 101 of them. So many of them. I want to travel, I want to go crazy with my kids, I want to teach them how to cook and I want to show them the world.

+ Illustration by Martin Dima

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