P. Ramlee

P. Ramlee
ڤي رملي
P. Ramlee at the 19th Asia-Pacific Film Festival, 1973
Born
Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh

(1929-03-22)22 March 1929
Died29 May 1973(1973-05-29) (aged 44)
Resting placeJalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur
MonumentsP. Ramlee Memorial
Other namesRamlee Puteh
Education
  • Sekolah Melayu Kampung Jawa
  • Francis Light English School (1939–1941)
  • Japanese Navy School (Kaigun Gakko)
  • Penang Free School (1945–1947)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
  • musician
  • filmmaker
  • composer
Years active1945–1973
Notable work
Spouses
Junaidah Daeng Harris
(m. 1950; div. 1955)
    Noorizan Mohd. Noor
    (m. 1955; div. 1961)
      (m. 19611973)
      Children7 (including Nasir)
      Musical career
      GenresPop
      Instruments
      • singer
      • actor
      • percussion
      • saxophone
      • accordion
      • trumpet
      • piano
      • guitar
      • viola
      • ukulele
      LabelsEMI
      Signature

      Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh (22 March 1929 – 29 May 1973), better known by his stage name P. Ramlee (Puteh Ramlee), was a Malaysian actor, filmmaker, musician, and composer. Born in Penang, Malaya, he is regarded as a prominent icon in Southeast Asia.

      P. Ramlee's career in the entertainment industry spanned from the late 1940s until his death in 1973. He made significant contributions to the Malayan-Singaporean film industries, starring in and directing numerous films that are considered classics today. Some of his most notable works include Bujang Lapok (1957), Do Re Mi (1966), and Tiga Abdul (1964).

      In addition to his film career, P. Ramlee was also a prolific musician, composing over 350 songs. His music often incorporated traditional Malay elements and became immensely popular across Southeast Asia. His versatility and talent earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his life.

      P. Ramlee's legacy continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists in the region. His films and music remain beloved, and his contributions to the cultural heritage of Malaysia, Singapore and the broader Malay-speaking world (i.e. the Nusantara) are celebrated to this day.