Parallel Narratives
Nicholas Saputra takes in the world with a discerning gaze. In each character he portrays, he seamlessly shifts between personas, acting as a conduit for their dreams and fears. In doing so, he discovers the empathy that bridges his experiences with theirs, all while remaining ever grounded in his personal truth.
By The Time Place Magazine
Nicholas Saputra stands at an intersection, like a traveller between realms. He crosses paths with another and looks up to find that the figure bears an uncanny resemblance to himself. He steps into their shoes, goes out under the sun and dons their face, embracing their joys and sorrows as if they were his own. From all walks of life, these different characters converge within Nicholas.
Despite seeming destined to become an actor that was not where he began. Nicholas entered the entertainment industry as a model. His attractive appearance has always been undeniable, but it was his inexplicable charm that truly captivates. His presence, though not always announced, was always noticed. It was the sort of magnetism that pulled people in, the kind of charm that inspired devotion.
His foray as an actor was as unexpected as they come. “Back then, I had no intention to become an actor, there was nothing on my mind other than my education,” the man disclosed. But that is the thing about opportunities—they strike like lightning in a clear sky: sudden, electrifying, and not to be missed. “The chance came to me at the right place and time. So I seized it, and continued to pursue an acting career, while at the same time continuing my education.”
One day, Nicholas met Rangga, his character in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (2002). He grew to understand Rangga deeply, sharing a connection like no other, as it was one between the real and the imagined. Rangga himself was a wordsmith, a poet, and this resonated with Nicholas, who also shared a passion for the arts, captivated particularly by photography and architecture. “The characters I play enrich me; they teach me lessons about life and its complexities,” the actor revealed. His portrayal as Rangga was admittedly pivotal, setting the stage for a career that reached international acclaim, and with many well-deserved awards, Nicholas’s name became as renowned as his craft, if not more so.
“I have always enjoyed my time in the entertainment industry. For me, creating movies is like weaving magic. I cannot think of anything else, I only have appreciation that I get to do what I do,” Nicholas professed. When asked about a cherished memory from his career, he recalled, “One time, a mother approached me, expressing how deeply moved she and her son, a member of Densus 88, the Indonesian National Police counter-terrorism squad, felt about the film Sayap-Sayap Patah (2022) that I acted in as the character Adji. Moments like this give even greater meaning to everything that I do, for I know that the films I act in and the stories I tell can inspire others.”
As he delves deeper into the art of storytelling, Nicholas feels an irresistible pull towards other streams of creativity. Instead of only focusing on interpreting stories, Nicholas seeks to create them himself. He moved behind the camera, stepping into the role of a producer, and with partner Mandy Marahimin co-founded Talamedia, a production house specialising in film documentaries, advertisements, music videos, and various other creative ventures.
“I find great satisfaction from bringing ideas to life, pushing creativity to create something out of nothing,” he expressed, clearly passionate about his craft. “Producing allows me to understand the perspectives of those I used to work with as an actor. Having been in the film industry for quite some time now, I have become familiar with what might be needed from the perspective of the director or the producer. When I was only an actor, I didn’t know the considerations behind it. Now, I see the full picture,” he conveyed.
One of the most profound creations Nicholas produced is “SEMES7A,” a documentary film deeply intertwined with his passion for protecting the environment. This film explores climate change through the lenses of religion, culture, and belief in Indonesia, shedding light on perspectives that often remain unheard. It tells the stories of individuals dedicated to and inspired by their commitment to protecting the environment.
For Nicholas, who holds the well-being of the environment and the preservation of culture close to his heart, creating such a documentary was a natural extension of his values. “I want to spread awareness and address topics people often pretend to ignore only because they require difficult conversations. When truly, these are actually the kind of discussions that matter most,” he shared. “I want to initiate these difficult conversations and make people aware of the pressing environmental issues that need collective solutions.”
As a producer and actor, Nicholas endlessly explores the depths of his artistic expression. His latest role in the box office success, “The Architecture of Love” (2024), is brilliantly cast, as this was the first time he played a character that resonates with his real-life academic background as an architecture major from the University of Indonesia. Starring alongside actress Putri Marino, Nicholas took on the role of River, an architect based in New York.
“For the film, we shot in New York, a city that has always felt special to me. New York is crowded, but it’s the kind where you can lose yourself. Faces from all corners of the world, each carrying their unique stories, thoughts, and opinions. It is a diverse energy that I deeply connect with,” Nicholas shared. “I particularly enjoy the bright and bustling Brooklyn. And let’s not forget, the upstate region is worth discovering, or rediscovering,” he said with a chuckle.
It turns out the similarities between Nicholas and his character, River, extend beyond their shared passion for architecture. “Just like I do, River appreciates simplicity and elegance in all things. That is why he wears the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso timepiece,” Nicholas mused. Uniquely, the Reverso captures the merging of self between Nicholas and River much like how it blends technical and aesthetic duality in watchmaking. With a flick of its reversing case, the timepiece unveils a concealed dial, incredibly adaptable for both day and night.
Much like the horological marvel, Nicholas Saputra embraces the freedom to pivot between personas. Stories untold begin to unfold, and the actor finds the humanity that resides within every role. It was empathy that led him to understand actions born of different truths, and the reasoning behind these actions resonated with him, even if they sometimes repelled against his own fundamental beliefs. He navigates through the complexities of his characters’ stories like a prism of duality: one face, dual existences, and infinite stories etched in moments of time.
Creative Direction: Erika Tania
Photography: Raja Siregar
Fashion Styling: Charlene Atalie
Grooming: Ryan Ogilvy
Location: Fairmont Jakarta
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