Words Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak Illustration Mufty Fairuz

A popular sweetheart on the silver screen, Dian Paramita Sastrowardoyo is comfortable lunching out at a restaurant with her young children – Shailendra Naryama Sastraguna Sutowo and Ishana Ariandra Nariratana Sutowo – after picking them up from school. The actress talked over the phone with her husband, businessman Maulana Indraguna Sutowo, during the interview and proudly introduced her mother, Dewi Parwati Setyorini, who had taught her English and who had once worked with the Antara News agency. “There were times when it was hard to be in public places with so many people staring and trying to approach me. But now I think they already understand that I have a life,” she said. Dian shares a glimpse of her life with her family and friends at its center.

I am, in three words ...

Independent, a perfectionist, very organized.

My best traits ...

Dynamic, fun, nonchalant.

And worst …

I won’t try hard to impress.

Friends are ...

Good company, they are my support system. No matter what, you have to maintain relationships with your friends, including the people you grew up with. They know your history and have a part in making who you are now. I always keep communication open with them. And it’s always heartwarming with them around.

And family...

My life. My raison d’etre.

When the going gets tough, I...

Pray. I’m that religious.

I would never ...

Do anything stupid just for peer pressure. I’m not a populist. I won’t do something just because everyone else does.

My greatest achievement ...

Graduating cum laude in my postgraduate studies in finance management, School of Economics, University of Indonesia. I surprised myself.

I laugh at ...

Myself. It’s valuable to be able to laugh at yourself.

And cry...

When relatives died. Maybe it was because I was disappointed at myself for not spending more time with them when they were still alive. I don’t usually cry, but I always think no one should hold back their tears. Have a good cry, just cry for the good reasons. And then move on.

Favorite food ...

I love jimami tofu, quinoa and feta cheese.

And least...

I’m avoiding food cooked in coconut milk. I can eat it, but I’d rather not.

My favorite part of Jakarta...

Menteng Tua, that’s my current neighborhood. I love everything about it. I like the places such as Hermitage Menteng Cafe and Bakoel Koffie there.

And least favorite ...

The industrial zones. I once had a shoot in one such place in East Jakarta. I just think that those areas have less trees compared to other parts of Jakarta. They lack the human touch and not many social interactions could happen in them.

My entertainment career gave me ...

A lot of knowledge and wisdom. I learned everything from the people I met in the business, not only about the things I need to know, but also to be humbled by every achievement and failure.

My good weekend is ...

Watching Scandal at home with my husband while eating munchies.

People would be surprised to know ...

I love to sing. People would not believe how I hold on to the mic at karaoke sessions. I even have the Smule application where I can sing to my heart’s content.

I am bored by ...

Mediocre, mundane, unnecessary conversation. I watched Indonesian Lawyers Club on TV with Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi (Pudjiastuti) as a guest. She was the only one on the show who had on-point arguments delivered in a respectful manner and effective words compared to other speakers, whom I don’t think knew what they were talking about.

I would change in the world ...

I am concerned about the issue of women’s advancement. I think it’s one of the answers to poverty.

And in my life ...

I wish I’d been more adventurous while I can, traveling to many places. Living carefree before settling down.

My life motto ...

Always be grateful. No matter how bad life is, say thank you to the universe.

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