Singer Titi DJ was crowned a diva long before everybody and her sister laid claim to the title, but she does not stand on ceremony. "Diva doesn't mean anything to me at all, because it's actually something from another era, of opera singers," the first Indonesian woman to take part in an international beauty pageant, Miss World in 1983, said at her home in Tangerang. "And now it's a bad thing: You come 15 minutes late to something, and they say 'Hmm, that's the diva coming out!'" In between fending off the playful advances of her new St. Bernard puppy, the mother of four talked about taking life's twists and turns in stride, her culinary temptation and the secret side of her that the public never sees.

What's your best trait?

I forget people's mistakes. I'm a forgiving person. Maybe somebody did something against me years ago, but I won't remember it when we meet. And I like to laugh.

And your worst?

I'm easily angered. I know it's weird - a forgiving person whose also angry. But it's only for the moment. I get it all out, and then I forget about it.

Favorite clothes?

For everyday wear, T-shirt and jeans.

What makes you angry?

I'm very impatient. So when things aren't going the way I want them, then I get angry … People in my household often are on the receiving end of that. I'll say something harsh to them, but later on I apologize because it preys on my mind. And they will respond: "That's OK, it's usual!"

What's your worst nightmare?

Not being able to meet my children.

What makes you laugh?

My children, again. And my friends.

And cry?

When I don't feel loved, even though it's just my feeling. And when I see street children, and the people I love feeling sad.

What would you do with US$1 million?

That's a lot of money! Of course, I would give some to the needy, because it's a windfall to be shared. Some would go toward my children's education, and the rest to buying a new house, I'm house-hunting.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate, dark chocolate. I would eat it every day if I could.

What books do you like to read?

All types, fiction, biographies, everything. I'm reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, the one that caused all the controversy on Oprah. It's depressing but it gets you hooked.

Your two dream dinner guests?

First, George Clooney (laughs). And the second would be Madonna. I wasn't really a fan of George Clooney when he was young, but I like him now. I guess I need a father figure. Madonna, because I read once that she liked to eat salad with her fingers. So it would be really interesting to watch the way she ate. We wouldn't have to worry about table manners.

What do you always bring with you?

Lip balm, I hate dry lips. My Ricola candies, important identity papers, money and my cell phone.

What's important in life?

How we fill it. If we make our lives colorful, then that is meaningful.

What former era would you have liked to have lived in, and why?

I wouldn't like to go back to another time. Everything seems so difficult.

Bad habit?

I put off work until the last minute. But I'm most creative when under a lot of pressure, like when I have put off finishing a song until the deadline nears. But maybe I'm just trying to justify myself!

What bores you?

When there is nothing exciting happening in my life. When everything goes exactly as expected, when there are no pitfalls to deal with. I like drama, but I'm not a drama queen! A few years ago, when I was really hurt by my first divorce (from actor Bucek Depp), I was really heartbroken and did things that weren't sensible. Now I look back on it and laugh.

What talent do you wish you had?

It always has to do with music. I wish I could play more instruments. And also to write. I admire people who are clever with words. They must have a great vocabulary. While I struggle every day to find the right words.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I'm an angry person! If they asked my housemaids about what I am like at home, they would probably be shocked.

What makes you proud?

I never think of it myself, but my friends always praise me for being able to accept what happens to me. "I wish I could be like you, Ti', the way you consider everything not such a big deal," they tell me.

Greatest regret?