They were the biggest Malaysian icons of their era and a celebrity couple envied by many. Decades later, those who grew up watching movies and listening to their songs still remember the charisma of P. Ramlee and Saloma. Their older films are occasionally shown on the small screen, and you can still watch them on YouTube.
Malaysia’s first celebrity power couple
I was rather taken back when a young communication student I met at an exhibition highlighting P. Ramlee and Saloma remarked that she only learned about the famous duo through her college project.
Apparently, many of the current generation are not sure who these bygone stars are. There was therefore a good reason for such an exhibition held at Fahrenheit 88 Mall, Kuala Lumpur, since April and which ended on July 31, 2022.
On the last day of the P. Ramlee and Saloma exhibition, there were curious youngsters, including those in cosplay outfits. The girls seemed more fascinated with Saloma’s fashion pieces and were busy taking selfies. The boys were more preoccupied with the black and white posters of the old movies.
Attracting much attention was a silver shimmering back-slit gown, which was an original piece worn by songstress and actress Saloma in the movie “Ragam P. Ramlee” in 1964. Adorned with 642 pieces of red translucent sequins and 3,069 cylindrical beads, it has the word ‘SALOMA’ beside hanging ornaments decorating the front of the 129cm long gown. Two layers of red net fabric cover a lower back slit.
Puan Sri Datin Amar Salmah binti Ismail, more known as Saloma, was a prima donna who had an immense influence on our nation’s music and film industries, particularly during the late 1950s to early 1980s.
Although known for her singing and acting, Saloma was also a fashion trendsetter. With an hourglass figure, she wore the clothes she designed so well, so it is only befitting to crown her the Retro Queen of Fashion. Even the sunglasses she sported in that era are still looking quite the trend today.
The team from The National Archives of Malaysia (Arkib Negara Malaysia) who were at the exhibition counter were really helpful in showing us the fashion pieces worn during the filming of some of P. Ramlee’s movies. They even whipped out old movie posters.
On a mannequin was a checkered shirt in blue and white, which was apparently worn by P. Ramlee in the first movie he directed. The film “Penarek Becha” in 1955 was selected as Best Film and won him a Best Director award in 1956.
Alongside P. Ramlee’s shirts were also his director’s chair, an old typewriter, and other movie and personal memorabilia.
A hanging display of a stripey black and white short-sleeved shirt was worn by the actor when he portrayed Osman Bakar in the movie entitled “Keluarga 69” in 1967.
There was also a pair of spectacles made in Spain that came from P. Ramlee’s personal collection. Next to it was his Sepak Raga ball. The sport was apparently his favourite.
Throughout his lifetime, P. Ramlee acted in about 60 films, directed 37 films and created nearly 250 popular songs.
His directional film “Pendekar Bujang Lapok” won the Best Comedy Film award at the Asia Film Festival Kuala Lumpur and a Best Actor Award for the film “Anakku Sazali” at the Asia Film Festival, Tokyo.
If you asked me which of P. Ramlee’s movies I am more familiar with, I would say at least two. One is the hilarious “Pendekar Bujang Lapok”, featuring three bachelors encountering a group of bullies and their attempts to learn self-defense, and then trying to attract the attention of their teacher’s daughter.
“Madu Tiga” is another funny one where P. Ramlee had three wives who collaborated to teach him a lesson.
Anyone wanting a dose of good laughter should watch P. Ramlee’s comedies, even in this modern age.
In remembrance of his contribution to the music and film industry, he was awarded Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by the third Seri Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong on September 27, 1962.
On June 6, 1990, the 9th Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong bestowed upon him the title of “Tan Sri”.
The legendary artist who married Saloma sadly passed away at the young age of 45. Many today, especially those who enjoyed his songs and artists in the film industry, remember him well.
It was a small exhibition but a rather impressive one, organised by Fahrenheit 88 Mall in collaboration with The National Archives of Malaysia (Arkib Negara).
