KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia’s dangdut queen Inul Daratista’s performances have always mesmerised audiences and at 46, she shows no signs of slowing down.
The singer, whose real name is Ainul Rokhimah, insists she is still energetic enough to dance and sing.
Hailing from East Java, Indonesia, Inul said the secret to her stamina lies in her fitness routine that includes yoga, pilates and gym workouts, which she believes are the key to remaining active in the entertainment world.
"If possible, as we age, we should become healthier. I do yoga and still do pilates, and I also exercise at the gym. So yes, that is how I stay fit and can still dance (on stage),” she said at a press conference here yesterday to announce her upcoming concert, ‘Inul Daratista Millenial Dangdut Nusantara’. The concert is scheduled for Dec 6 at Setia Spice Arena in Penang.
She said that as an entertainer who is still active, she cannot take her health lightly as it is the main asset that determines her performance during live shows.
"I must ensure my body is fit because performing dangdut numbers requires a lot of energy, so health is number one,” she added.
Her Dec 6 concert is organised by Fajar Baiduri Empire with the support of Istana Budaya through Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia. It will also feature popular local singers Amelina and Baby Shima, along with a performance by the group Mohram.
Inul, whose popular songs include ‘Goyang Inul’ and ‘Mawar Putih’, said she has waited long for this chance to return to Malaysia as her last concert here was at Stadium Malawati Shah Alam in 2007.
"I am happy to finally return here for a big concert. I have been waiting for this opportunity for so long. My heart longs for the energy of Malaysian audiences who are so passionate,” she said, adding she has also performed at Stadium Merdeka in 2005 and Genting Highlands in 2006.
Tickets for her upcoming concert, priced between RM78 and RM488, went on sale online starting Sept 9 via www.myticket.asia. - BERNAMA