P. Ramlee

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 was one of the leading figures of the Malay film industry during its golden age. Throughout a career spanning more than two decades, he starred in 62 films, directed 33, and composed more than 500 songs.

P. Ramlee rose to prominence during the golden age of the Malay film industry at Malay Film Productions in Singapore, where he established himself as one of its leading actors, directors and songwriters. In 1964, he moved to Kuala Lumpur to continue his career at Merdeka Studio. His films, which often blended comedy, romance, music and social commentary, have become enduring classics of Malay cinema.

Among his best-known films are Bujang Lapok (1957), Pendekar Bujang Lapok (1959), Nujum Pak Belalang (1959), Tiga Abdul (1964) and Do Re Mi (1966). He received international recognition at the Asian Film Festival, winning Best Male Actor for Anak-ku Sazali (1957) and Best Comedy for Madu Tiga (1964).

Following his death in 1973, P. Ramlee has remained a major cultural figure in Malaysia. His films and songs continue to be widely broadcast and studied, and institutions, awards and cultural venues have been named in his honour. In 2010, CNN included him among Asia's 25 Greatest Actors of All Time, and in 2017 Google honoured him with a Google Doodle to mark what would have been his 88th birthday.