(JP/Niken Prathivi)After having her second child, model-turned-actress Imelda Therrine is back with a challenging role: She’s playing a prostitute in the newly released thriller, Belenggu (Shackle), directed by Upi. The film is the 30-year-old actress’ latest venture after appearing in several films, from fantasy drama Medley; horror flick Rumah Dara (Macabre) to the comedy, I Know What You Did on Facebook.

“It’s so great to finally be back at work. Belenggu is my first project after having my second child. Actually, it’s also the second time working together with Upi. Previously, I was involved in Hi5steria, which she produced. I think my role in Hi5steria was good preparation for the role I play in Belenggu.

At first I was a little concerned about my character in Belenggu. She [Jingga] is quite controversial. But this time Upi was trying to make a thriller, a new genre in our film industry. So I thought, why not? I love to explore, and I hope Indonesian audiences will be open-minded.

Am I satisfied with my acting in Belenggu? Well, honestly, I’d like to hear comments or criticisms from viewers.
If viewers are critical about the quality of domestic movies, I believe our filmmakers will raise their standards.

Playing a character like Jingga, I was mostly inspired by performances of Joaquin Phoenix, Kirsten Dunst, Sharon Stone and Christian Bale – who have dark images but strong performances, as well as Nicole Kidman, especially her performance in Moulin Rouge.

In the month-long preparations for Belenggu, I also took dance classes because there is a scene in the movie where I have to do some dance routines.

Now that I’ve completed Belenggu, I’m getting ready to do a television series.

When I’m not busy with my acting work, I love to manage my home. Basically, my hobby is to take care of my husband and our children. Most of my time is pretty much taken up catering to them — and I’m so happy about it.

I also love to read. I read every day and I’ll read anything. I want to encourage my children to make reading a habit.

Apart from spending time with my family at home, I also enjoy traveling. My family and I love taking trips, mostly to beaches. Indonesia is a country with thousands of island —
it means we have an abundance of beaches to visit.

I don’t have a favorite beach, but I would really love to go to Raja Ampat [West Papua] with my family one day. Another dream destination would be the Middle East. I don’t know why, but I t

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