‘I’m glad my dad wasn’t a public official’

Tika Panggabean likes to mix it up in her career choices. She started out as one of the boys as the only female member of Project Pop, which branched out from its university comedy group beginnings to create a winning fusion of rap and dangdut music songs;  hosted her own late-night talk show, Bincang-Bintang (Star Talk) and done several memorable film cameos.  Although the talk show ended a two-year run in February, the 36-year-old remains a TV regular as Odah, the domineering, moody cleaning service chief on the hit sitcom OB. Despite her bubbly public image, Tika admits here there is a bit of the Odah in her at times.  

What was the last great meal you had?

A few days ago, I ate grilled salmon sushi at Kiyadon in Pondok Indah Mall 2. It was really delicious, just what I needed. We then went to watch a movie, and after that I got another order to take home. I just ordered it again!

What always in your bag?

I always have my iPod, body spray, tissues and sanitary napkins. I bring them because even if I am not having my period, there are lots of women who forget to bring them and suddenly need them. I know from experience.

What is on your iPod?

I’m listening to gospel songs, from Sandy Patty to BB and CC Wayans from abroad, and Ruth Sahanaya from here.  I also have Gwen Stefani and Fergie; and I always have the Police and Sting. My favorite song from them is Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.

What is your best trait?

I can’t judge myself. But I always try to show empathy, to always try to see it from the other side. I get really pissed with people who are know-it-alls when we are shooting, the ones who arrive late to the set and won’t smile or say hello when we meet.

And worst?

I’m a vacillator. And while having empathy for others is good, sometimes it makes me feel like I have to please everybody, so it’s tough to be hard on others. And the other thing is I am lazy. When I have a day at home, I don’t want to take a bath, clean the house or read a script.

What makes you laugh?

Many things. What sets me off most often are my friends from Project Pop. We act like children, that is our way of joking. Other people look at us and ask, “How old are these people?”

When was the last time you cried?

Several nights ago, when the contract for my talk show ended. I cried not because of the show finishing, but for the people I worked with. Some of them really count on the show for their living. I have other contracts I can rely on, but they don’t. I hope they find something.

Your two dream dinner guests, and what would be on the menu?

I would love to invite Sting, because I’ve always liked Sting and the Police. They have great songs, and Sting is still handsome even today. And the other one is Oprah, because she is so inspiring to many people, including me. I want to learn from her about doing a talk show, and what is on her mind and in her heart. She’s famous but it’s only come about from who she is. She puts other people first, and the great fame and riches came from that.

I would invite them to my home, it’s cozy and we would not have to worry about closing time. My maid is a great cook: They would have to try her oxtail soup and sweet-and-sour tamarind soup.

Your favorite trip?

I like to travel. One of my longest trips was with [fellow Project Pop member] Yosie to Europe; we went to Paris, the Netherlands and Italy.We went together without using a tour service. We had to buy our train tickets ourselves, using public transportation and speaking in English. In Rome, their English was worse than ours!

Also, when I was 17, I went to Tarutung [North Sumatra], my grandfather’s homeland. I really didn’t want to go, but when I got there I didn’t regret it. The journey from Medan was amazing, with green fields to our left and right. It was so fresh and beautiful. I would love to do it again. Maybe I would appreciate it more now.

The most unforgivable act?

I hate to be lied to, and hypocrisy. Maybe sometimes I am also a hypocrite, but it’s still better to be just who and what we are. Sure, it’s OK to tell white lies sometimes, but I am really hurt when I am lied to. And when a person uses the name of God, but they are a hypocrite in their actions, it’s disgusting. Everything is complicated in this country, with the officials and what they do, so I’m always glad my father wasn’t a public official!

Biggest fashion mistake?

When I was in high school it was the era of rebonding, and I wanted to do it. But you cannot rush it, and my hair instead ended up looking like an Afro. Well, it was my junior high school reunion, and I called people up telling them I was coming with a new hairstyle, the wet look. But I didn’t know you had to use gel, not hairspray. And I got there, and everybody looked so beautiful, and my confidence was shot. I was a total disaster.

Talent you wish you had?

If I could only speak five languages, and also play the piano really well, I would be able to say that my life is complete. People ask me what my biggest mistake is, and I answer my laziness and not asking for lessons when I was young. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time, even to when I was 15, to get the chance to do it again.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People come up and tell me, “Tika, you are so sweet”. They don’t know that I can be moody and sulky. I’m more expressive when I am with people I am close to. I can argue with them and get angry.

When and where were you happiest?

When I have time to relax at home. I can stay at home, watch TV and listen to music. Or I drive around Jakarta to see what is going on.

Roles you would never accept?

I probably wouldn’t do anything too sexual, my body isn’t good enough! I also would not want to take anything that promotes something I do not agree with, like Satan worship. I also do not want to play up the physical; it can add some color sometimes, but there is nothing creative about it.

Who do you respect in the business?

Those who came before me. Especially JoJon, there is no stopping him. Now, everything he does is magic!

+ Bruce Emon

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