Remembering P. Ramlee: Malaysia’s Iconic All-Rounder in the Arts

P. Ramlee, originally known as Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, later conferred the honorific titles “Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh” in Malaysia, was a multi-talented artist encompassing acting, singing, music composition, directing, producing, scriptwriting, and lyric writing.

In Malaysia, P. Ramlee is hailed as a national icon, known as “Seniman Agung Negara,” or National Laureate in the arts. His legacy extends further, with roads bearing his name in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the eastern state of Sarawak.

Born in Penang, P. Ramlee embarked on his artistic journey at the age of 18 in 1948, taking on the stage name P. Ramlee when he began his career in Singapore. In 1964, he returned to Malaysia and went on to feature in 66 films, including 35 that he directed himself. Additionally, he left a musical legacy with 359 songs to his credit, many of which he composed and wrote the lyrics for.

The P. Ramlee House Museum located here was the former residence of P. Ramlee, where he spent significant moments with his family and created many of his masterpieces. In 1985, the museum underwent renovations and, in the following year (1986), was designated as a historical monument and heritage site under Antiquities Act 1976.

P. Ramlee’s final car, which was sold by his son Nasir P. Ramlee, was later traced by the National Archives of Malaysia and repurchased from a driving school.

The Young P. Ramlee

Born on March 22, 1929, in a traditional Malay wooden house in Penang (Now the P. Ramlee House), P. Ramlee was the son of Teuku Nyak Puteh bin Teuku Karim and Che Mah Hussein. Coincidentally, P. Ramlee’s father was performing the prayer for Ramadan when he was born, and local midwives assisted his birth.

Although his given name was “Teuku Zakaria,” his grandmother found it cumbersome, and he was affectionately called “Ramlee.” This is the name he would later use in his school days. When he began his career, he combined the first letter “P” from his father’s name, Puteh, with “Ramlee,” creating the iconic name “P. Ramlee.”

P. Ramlee’s early education was at Sekolah Melayu Kampung Jawa and Francis Light English School. He continued his studies at Penang Free School but had to interrupt his education during the Second World War. During the Japanese occupation, he studied music theory and Japanese songs at the Japanese Navy School (Kaigun Gakko). After the war, he returned to Penang Free School and decided to further his music studies.

In his early days, he practiced music with the Sinaran Bintang Sore band and later joined Orkes Teruna Sekampung as a violinist, singer, and songwriter. He participated in several singing competitions in the northern region of Radio Malaya and emerged as the champion in Bintang Penyanyi Utama Malaya in 1947, gaining recognition and popularity.

In 1948, during a Keroncong performance, P. Ramlee was spotted by B.S. Rajhans, a director from Shaw Brothers, and recommended to join Malay Film Productions (MFP), marking the beginning of his cinematic journey.

Rising Fame

P. Ramlee’s film career took off after the release of “Takdir Ilahi.” Subsequently, he appeared in a series of MFP films, including “Sejoli” (1951), “Juwita” (1951), “Antara Senyum dan Tangis” (1952), “Hujan Panas” (1953), and “Panggilan Pulau” (1954), among others.

In 1955, P. Ramlee directed his first film, “Penarek Becha,” in which he also played the leading role. The film was not only commercially successful but also received accolades from “Majalah Filem dan Sukan” magazine. In 1956, it garnered numerous awards, including Best Malay Film, Best Director, Best Song (“Inang Baru”), and Best Actor.

Collaborating with Indian film director Phani Majmudar, P. Ramlee starred in “Hang Tuah,” a film based on the Hikayat Hang Tuah, which became the first Malaysian film shot in Eastmancolour.

Following this, he worked with Majmudar again, taking on the role of two characters, a loving father named Hassan and his rebellious son Sazali in the film “Anak-ku Sazali.” Through this film, he won the Best Actor award at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival (1957).

The Memorial has a mini theater that plays P. Ramlee’s classic films on a loop.

Repeated Accomplishments

Apart from his success in film, P. Ramlee directed theatrical productions, including “Sultan Mahmood Mangkat Di Julang” (1959), “Kachip Mas” (1961), and “Damaq” (1952). Additionally, P. Ramlee ventured into comedy with the “Bujang Lapok” film series, addressing social issues and widely recognized as his most popular comedic work. The success of “Bujang Lapok” gave rise to three sequels: “Ali Baba Bujang Lapok,” “Pendekar Bujang Lapok,” and “Seniman Bujang Lapok.”

Inspired by his happy life with his wife, Saloma, P. Ramlee wrote the script and directed the film “Ibu Mertua-ku” in 1962, also showcasing his saxophone skills. The film not only performed well at the box office but also featured a popular theme song, “Di Mana Kan Ku Cari Ganti.” “Ibu Mertua-ku” received the special “The Most Versatile Talent” award at the 10th Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Tokyo.

Subsequently, P. Ramlee and his wife made cameo appearances in the Hong Kong film “Love Parade.” In 1964, P. Ramlee directed, wrote, and starred in “Madu Tiga” and “Tiga Abdul.” These two films marked his last works with the Shaw Brothers before joining Studio Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur in the same year.

P. Ramlee’s final film was “Laksamana Do Re Mi,” a collaboration with Studio Merdeka in 1972. His wife, Puan Sri Saloma, sang the last song in the film, “Air Mata di Kuala Lumpur.”

P. Ramlee was a multi-faceted artist who ventured into various fields. He co-founded magazines like Majalah Bintang and Majalah Gelanggang Filem and, together with H.M. Shah and others, established the Malaysian film company PERFIMA to promote the local film industry. His commitment was not only to international recognition but also the nurturing of indigenous arts.

The Private Life of A Great Star

P. Ramlee was married three times: his first wife was Junaidah Haris, with whom he had two children but divorced in 1953. His second marriage was to Noorizan Mohd. Noor, a member of the royal family of Perak, in 1955. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1961. His last marriage was to Saloma in 1961.

Together with his two biological children, P. Ramlee raised a total of 10 children. His children also dabbled in his profession, participating in a children’s choir and taking on child acting roles in his works, such as the song “Tolong Kami Bantu Kami” in the movie “Tiga Abdul” and portraying a farmhand’s child in the movie “Anak Bapak.”

The museum also displays Saloma’s memorabilia. Saloma was a highly acclaimed singer.

P. Ramlee passed away on May 29, 1973, in the early morning due to a heart attack while en route to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur. He was 44 years old. He was laid to rest at Tanah Perkuburan Islam Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.

Remembering P. Ramlee

In recognition of his contributions, he received Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) which means Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm in 1963. This made P. Ramlee the first Malaysian film star to receive the nation’s highest honor.

Furthermore, in June 1990, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri by the Malaysian royal family. In 2005, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts, and in 2009, he was honored with Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak, with his foster daughter, Dian P. Ramlee, accepting the award on his behalf.

Three months after P. Ramlee’s passing, the P. Ramlee Theatre (Pawagam P. Ramlee) officially opened on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur. PAWAGAM is a neologism created by P. Ramlee himself, an abbreviation of Panggung Wayang Gambar.

On March 22, 2017, which would have been P. Ramlee’s 88th birthday, Google Malaysia paid tribute to him through a Doodle.

Verdict

P. Ramlee left behind an indelible legacy, with many of his works transcending generations. His contributions earned him numerous international accolades and recognition. However, it is important to acknowledge that many of the younger generation may not be familiar with this luminary figure.

Fortunately, the Malaysian government has designated P. Ramlee’s former residence as a historical landmark, preserving it for future generations. Let’s all endeavor to introduce more friends to this great artist’s legacy!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Foodveler on WhatsApp!

P. Ramlee House Museum | Pustake Peringatan P. Ramlee
🚦 Directions: Self-drive is recommended.
🕰️ Opening hours: Closed on Mondays (except for public holidays and school holidays); Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 12 PM, 3 PM - 5 PM.
⏳ Recommended visit duration: 1 hour.
👚 Dress code: Casual and comfortable.
📸 Special note: Photography is allowed; please be careful when you are at the museum as they are mostly genuine artifacts.