IM SCREAMING.
I’m sorry if this man doesn’t mean anything to anyone but for me, it’s truly special. Mr. P. Ramlee is a majestic icon of a man from my country (Malaysia) and to see him honored posthumously as a Google Doodle on his 88th birthday is truly a sight to behold.
I admired him, and so do a lot of Malaysians still to this day, especially my parents’ generation. He was the Malaysian essence of talent in the 60′s and 70′s. He was our Frank Sinatra, and him and his other actor buddies were the Rat Pack. The Malaysia now is a time where politics has conquered every aspect of our lives, including race and religion. But during P. Ramlee’s time, everyone was equal and colorblind. His movies taught us how to respect each other no matter your background, and to be respectful of women too. I believe that P. Ramlee did his best to make the world a better place with his movies and songs, teaching everyone to be kinder and to have a little fun along the way.
He died of a heart attack at 44 years old and, despite his success, he died penniless because his works had become ‘out of date’ by that time. It was also said that before he died, he gave the remainder of his money to a visitor who came to his house because he felt like they needed the money more than he did.
And if that isn’t legend-material, I don’t know what is.
Thank you, Mr. P. Ramlee, for all that you’ve done. Bujang Lapok is still one of the very few things to make me split my sides laughing. You are still remembered and loved by many <3
