Dian Sastrowardoyo - Ali Fikry Proud of Himself When...

Kapanlagi.com - Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry nostalgically reminisce about the early days of their careers before diving into discussions about the film ESOK TANPA IBU, making the interview atmosphere much more relaxed. They share stories about their first casting experience, the moment they received their first award, and heartfelt stories about their mother-child relationship that add warmth to the conversation.

The chemistry between them, which feels like a real family, makes the conversation even more exciting and full of sweet insights before they delve into discussions about their latest film. What was the excitement like?

1. Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry When They First Auditioned

Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry laughing at the KapanLagi Show (cr: KapanLagcom/Budy Santoso)

Host: Can you share the moment when you first auditioned?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: The first time I auditioned in my career, right? I used to audition for face product commercials if I'm not mistaken. So I went to an agency office. Then we kind of got caught. In movies, when you get caught, you have to take a photo. Name, date of birth, and all that. You have to face left, face right, and so on. Then you have to say, 'My name is Dian,' and so on. That’s how the audition went. The first time was for a commercial.

Ali Fikry: I was really young back then. I didn’t know anything about acting. So when I auditioned, it was similar to what Mother (Dian Sastrowardoyo) experienced. Like this, and then they asked, 'What is Ali Fikri’s height and everything.' But after that, I gradually started to understand. Slowly about the world of acting.

2. Dian Sastrowardoyo Considers Ali Like a Child

Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry hugging at the KapanLagi Show event (cr: KapanLagcom/Budy Santoso)

Host: Still calling her mother, right?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: Yes. I still consider Ali as an additional child. Plus, he is friends with my child. So it really feels like a complete package. My husband also seems like an additional child. So that's how it is.

3. The Moment of Receiving an Award for the First Time

Ali Fikry recounts the moment he received the trophy at the KapanLagi Show event (cr: KapanLagcom/Budy Santoso)

Host: The first time receiving an award. It doesn't have to be in film, when did you first receive an award?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: Cover Girl 1996.

Host: What about Ali Fikri?

Ali Fikry: For me, the first time I received an award was when I was little. I have always liked art. So I used to enjoy coloring. I participated in a coloring competition. So receiving my first award was really exciting. Even though I didn’t understand it back then. What is this award for? I didn’t know what recognition was like. So I was just happy to be the first place winner. Winning the coloring competition. Today here, tomorrow where, you know.

4. Dian Sastrowardoyo Proud of Herself When ...

Dian Sastrowardoyo shares her pride in herself when she won Gadis Sampul 1996 (cr: KapanLagcom/Budy Santoso)

Host: When did you first feel proud of yourself?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: I think the first time I felt proud of myself was when I won the Gadis Sampul. Why? Because the process was not instant. So to be able to enter the Gadis Sampul selection and win it took a very long preparation. I spent two years, three years. So I did research first. I gathered as much information as I could about the previous winners.

Dian Sastrowardoyo: Then I conducted in-depth research about their profiles. And I looked for the common thread. Why did they win? Not the other thirteen. Out of fourteen finalists, there is only one winner. I wanted to find out if there was any similarity. A characteristic of their personalities or something.

Dian Sastrowardoyo: They say that the winner must have character. At thirteen years old, I didn’t really know what that meant. I actually still don’t know what it means until now. But it turns out that the average winner is not someone who is too feminine. The average winner has to be tomboyish. Should I look tomboyish like that?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: So, actually, it’s the process of being thirteen, fourteen years old, which is the process of finding ourselves, right? What kind of person am I really? We are still in the process of shaping ourselves. Well, that’s while following Gadis Sampul with very thorough preparation. And in the end, I still participated. Eventually, I won.

Dian Sastrowardoyo: And that was after two years of complete research and preparation. I even participated in pencak silat. I learned to play the guitar. Just to look tomboyish and unique. And to have character, you know. Luckily, I ended up winning. If not, I would be confused. So what actually makes someone win?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: But in the end, at that time, I was accepted. And I felt proud. Because it happened a year after my father passed away. So at a critical time. But how do we keep ourselves motivated to achieve like that?

Host: So it means you finally found the common thread at that time, the character. That tomboy character, right?

Dian Sastrowardoyo: That’s also a guess, right? Which may not necessarily be true.

Host: But a 13-year-old is doing research. I don't know if a 13-year-old these days is already playing TikTok.

5. Dian Sastrowardoyo Tips Her Hat to Ali Fikry

Ali Fikry at the KapanLagi Show wearing the ESOK TANPA IBU t-shirt (cr: KapanLagicom/Budy Santoso)

Host: So Ali Fikry. When did you first feel proud of yourself?

Ali Fikry: Actually, I don’t have any significant events to feel proud of myself.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: What are you talking about? You've been working since you were little, how can you not feel proud?
Ali Fikry: Yes, but being part of ESOK TANPA IBU is a great pride for me. Because the process was very enjoyable and warm, and I learned a lot from this film. And after all the process, I can still be honest with myself. I’m still close to my family. And after that process, I feel quite proud of myself.

Dian Sastrowardoyo: Ali has been in the industry since quite a young age.
Ali Fikry: Quite young.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: That’s why I’m really confused. Why are you only feeling proud now? You should have been proud since you were a kid.
Ali Fikry: Because I don’t want to be proud of myself. What if I become proud...
Dian Sastrowardoyo: But you’ve worked hard since you were little. You should just be proud of yourself. But indeed, when it comes to his performance in this film, I honestly tip my hat to him. I might have been in the industry for 25 years, and I still can’t consistently deliver a performance as consistent as he did in this film.

6. Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry Become Mentors Ali Fikry

Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ali Fikry at the KapanLagi Show event (cr: KapanLagcom/Budy Santoso)

Host: Next Nicholas Saputra?
Dian Sastrowardoyo: He’s next to Reza (Rahadian) I think. He’s Reza’s protégé. Reza is his adoptive father. I am his adoptive mother.
Ali Fikry: Adoptive mother. Correct.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: Yes. But the ones who nag him are also two, me and Reza.
Ali Fikry: Yes, that’s true.

Host: You have two mentors who are quite nagging but it’s a shame. You’re very lucky.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: It’s a shame but they’re so chatty, right?
Ali Fikry: Yes. But it’s okay, I think those naggings, those lectures are actually the most chatty form of love.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: Who is more chatty? Me or Reza?
Ali Fikry: Honestly, mom.
Dian Sastrowardoyo: Very honest.
Ali Fikry: But I prefer that.

(kpl/cvn)