Adipati Dolken: On his path to success

Niken Prathivi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | People | Sun, April 28 2013, 11:50 AM

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(KapanLagi.com)With more acting roles coming his way, teen sweetheart Adipati Dolken sets out to prove that he’s not just another pretty face.

His fair skin and adorable features may serve him well to win the hearts of his fans but he continues to hone his acting talent, taking up a variety of roles without much hesitation.

“Last year was a hectic year, but I’m really grateful for everything I’ve learned so far,” says Adipati, known as Adi among his friends.

Born as Adipati Koesmadji in Bandung 21 years ago, Adipati started his career in the hit television teen series, Kepompong (Cocoon), in 2008, playing Virgo, a charming student president.

His first role may not have put him much in the spotlight, but to some teen girls, his charm is undeniable, especially after his feature film debut, Putih Abu-abu dan Sepatu Kets.

His big break to fame came with the role in drama flick 18+, and comedy-horror Pocong Keliling (the Wandering Ghost), in 2010.

The year 2012 was a successful year with many roles in teen romance flicks.

The young actor — who confesses of being a romantic man himself with a plan to tie the knot in the next five years but does not believe in Valentine’s Day — landed in significant roles, such as in Malaikat Tanpa Sayap (An Angel without Wings); Perahu Kertas (Paper Boat) and its sequel; Sang Martir (The Martyr); and romantic-comedy Operation Wedding.

But it was his role in Perahu Kertas that showed the audience his maturing acting skills, confirming his road to stardom.

For the role, some even compared Adi with Nicholas Saputra when he played Rangga in successful teen flick Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (What’s Up With Cinta?) back in early 2000s.

Working on more than five films in a year certainly drained his energy, but he’s happy and satisfied.

“I planned to get involved in more movies last year and I did,” said Adi, who also took roles in TV series and made-for-TV films.

“It was a lot of work, but I didn’t feel exhausted at all, maybe because I enjoyed the productions.”

His hard work has served him well, allowing him to buy his own car and soon a house. He even plans to go to college to study information technology and finds time for extreme sports during his leisure time.

“My hobbies are bungee jumping, in-line skating and down-hill biking. However, on top of that, I never say no to soccer. I play with friends once a week,” says Adi, who is a big fan of Juventus, an Italian soccer club.

But for him, acting means much more than something that gives him fame and fortune.

He confesses to falling in love with acting from the time he got involved in his first film project and decided to focus on the job.

“I’m the kind of guy who is loyal to the profession he’s in,” said Adi, who was encouraged by his brother to enter the entertainment industry.

“At this point, I’m an actor, and I will do it professionally. But, if I get the chance to work in an office, for example, I will also do it seriously.”

When attending several screenings of his films, he shows his attachment to his roles, arriving all dressed up and behaved similar to his characters in the movies.

In Perahu Kertas’s premiere, for example, he was Keenan, the film’s quiet, artsy leading character that sent out mysterious feel.

But during the screening of his latest film, Operation Wedding, he wore a casual shirt, knee-length jeans and a reversed baseball cap, similar to his character, Rendi, in the film.

“Being involved in filmmaking is special for me. Acting allows me to produce things that last forever because films will always be around. It is a good feeling to know that your work exists; it comforts you,” he says.

With many years ahead of him, he isn’t too picky in choosing roles.

“Basically, when I get an offer for a film, which has great storyline and director, then it’s a done deal. I don’t have any favorite genre […] I even do comedy as long as it fits,” he says.

Nevertheless, he is longing for a character that will challenge his acting skill.

“I prefer characters that are unlike me. I define myself as an indifferent and a cool wannabe, but still a good person.”

In his work, he is inspired by his idol, Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Whatever DiCaprio does in movies captivates me. Inception is my all time favorite movie.”

He finds the tricky layers of dream in the film tickles both his logic and fantasy.

“I’ve watched the movie four times, and it’s so cool to know that it still makes me think. It stays in my head because of DiCaprio’s memorable performance. DiCaprio is an actor with great ability that is simply hard to forget.”

In his upcoming movie, Sang Kyai (The Leader), focuses on the life of Muslim leader K.H. Hasyim Ashari, Adi hopes he is showing his best.

“I will do my best to maintain my professional performance. I also wish that my skill and attitude will continue to grow.”

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