P Ramlee

What is there to say about this remarkable man that is yet to be said? Nothing I guess. 

Any Malaysian cannot be called a true Malaysian if they had not watched a P Ramlee movie. That is how much he is embedded in Malaysian culture and history. Just like what Elvis Presley, Jim Hendrix and Jim Morrison did for music, P Ramlee did for Malaysian cinematography. He was the pioneer that payed the way for many future talents.   

Anyhow a brief history about this Legend.

P. Ramlee was born on 22 March 1929. His father, Teuku Nyak Puteh, was a sailor from Aceh, married Che Mah Hussain.

He attended Sekolah Kebangsaan Melayu Kampung Jawa, Francis Light primary school, Penang Free School and the Japanese Navy Academy, when the war broke out. 

In 1947, he won the First place in a song competition organized by Penang Radio. 

His first movie was Chinta, 1948. 

His first directorial role was Sarjan Hassan in 1955.

In 1973, he did his Last Film, Laksamana Do Re Mi and Song, "Air Mata di Kuala Lumpur". Coincidentally, 1973 is the year that I was born.

During his career he directed and acted in 66 films, and had more than 360 songs to his credit.

His award-winning films are:

1. Anakku Sazali, Best Male Actor, 4th Asian Film Festival (Tokyo, 1957)

2. Hang Tuah, Best Musical Score, 3rd Asian Film Festival (Hong Kong 1956) and the 

    only P. Ramlee movie to be filmed in color.

3. Ibu Mertuaku, Most Versatile Talent, 10th Asian Film Festival (Tokyo, 1963)

4. Madu Tiga, Best Comedy, 11th Asian Film Festival (Taipei, 1964)

5. Nujum Pak Belalang, Best Comedy, 7th Asian Film Festival (Tokyo, 1960)

6. Pendekar Bujang Lapok, Best Comedy, 6th Asian Film Festival (Kuala Lumpur, 1959)

7. Sumpah Orang Minyak, Best Black and White Photography, 5th Asian Film Festival 

    (Manila, 1958)

P. Ramlee married three times. First, to Junaidah in 1950, ended in a divorce. Second to Noorizan Mohd, a member of the Royal family of State of Perak in 1955 and Third to Salmah Ismail, a very famous singer known as Saloma in 1961.

P. Ramlee died on 29 May 1973 at the age of 44 from a heart attack and was buried at Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur.

In 1986, the P. Ramlee Memorial was built in his home, No.22, Jalan Dedap, Taman P Ramlee, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. 

In 1982, a street was renamed Jalan P. Ramlee.

In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Malaysian honorific title Tan Sri.

In 2009, the honorific title of "Datuk Amar" by Sarawak State Government was conferred. 

Prior to the previous Hari Raya celebrations on 28 July 2013 at Mid Valley Megamall, there was a small expo on P Ramlee. Below are some of the items on display 

P Ramlee Magazine

His Violin