If you go to the Google homepage today, you’ll come across a pleasantly surprising sight!
Today (22nd March) marks Malaysian film icon, Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s 88th birthday.
Google decided to pay homage to the legendary actor who shaped the Malaysian film industry with an illustration of him sitting on a director’s chair.
Source: Google
Clicking on the logo brings you to a search results page about the actor, displaying endless amounts of information about his career, movies, and his life.
Source: Google
P. Ramlee was one of the Malaysian film industry’s pioneering figures. Not only did he act and sing, but he also directed movies. Born in 1929 as Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Putih, he faced many obstacles any Malaysian did during the pre-independence era.
During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, he worked at a tin factory while he attended a Japanese school. It was there where he was first exposed to music and learned Japanese songs.
Source: The Star Online
When he was 16 years old, he entered his first singing competition organised by Penang Radio and won third place. The following year however, P. Ramlee emerged as the champion, winning first place.
His big break came when he was 18 years old. He performed his first original song, “Azizah” at a cultural festival, where he caught the attention of film director B.S. Rahjans. He was offered to work as a back-up singer for Shaw Brothers Studio films.
He soon landed his first acting role in the film Chinta (1948), where he portrayed an antagonist. After that, he landed more major acting roles in classic movies like Bujang Lapok (1957), and Tiga Abdul (1964).
Source: IMDb
Source: IMDb
P. Ramlee won many awards for his acting and composing in the Asian Film Festival in the 50s and 60s and is believed to have composed about 250 songs throughout his entire career.
We’re delighted that such a legendary and important figure in Malaysian history is getting the international spotlight he rightfully deserves and hope Malaysians work hard to continue his legacy.
Also read: Inspiring Malaysian Works to Land A Rover On The Moon for Google Project
