P.Ramlee
Tan Sri P. Ramlee ( 22 March 1929 - 29 May 1973 ) is a legend in the Malaysian entertainment industry. He was born Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh to Teuku Nyak Puteh Teuku Karim and Che Mah Hussein at his grandmother's house in Counter Hall, Penang, Malaya. As a child he studied in several schools including the famous Penang Free School. During his school days he was very active in sports especially sepak takraw, badminton and football.
His first big break came in 1 June 1948 when he was spotted by Indian film director B.S. Rajhans from Malay Film Productions of Jalan Ampas, Singapore. The director was impressed by P.Ramlee and in 1949 was casted to act in the movie "Nasib" (Fate). Seven years later, P.Ramlee directed his first movie "Penarik Becha" (The Trishaw Man).
Throughout his illustrious career, he has directed and acted in 66 movies. Also he has more than 300 songs to his credit. Among the movies that received awards include:
- Best Musical Score for Hang Tuah - 3rd Asian Film Festival, Hong Kong (1956)
- Best Male Actor for Anak-ku Sazali (My son, Sazali) - 4th Asian Film Festival, Tokyo (1957)
- Best Comedy Film for Nujum Pak Belalang (The Fortune Teller) - 7th Asian Film Festival, Tokyo (1960)
- Most Versatile Talent for Ibu Mertua Ku (My Mother In-law) - 10th Asian Film Festival, Tokyo (1963)
- Best Comedy Film for Madu Tiga (Three Wives) - 11th Asian Film Festival, Taipeh (1964)
He married three times, the last with the legendary songstress Salmah Ismail or Saloma in 1961. In honour of his contributions to the Malaysian entertainment industry, in 1986 the P.Ramlee Memorial was set up in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.