A tribute to true local legends

P. Ramlee with his wife Saloma. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

THE golden era of the Malay film industry is rekindled through a 20m-long mural at Pertama Complex, Kuala Lumpur.

Artist Mohd Adlan Safry has rekindled fond memories that people may have of the Malay film heyday, painting images of beloved entertainers of the time along a busy corridor of the shopping complex.

Mohd Adlan (left) putting the finishing touches to the mural of the famous movie series, Bujang Lapok, starring P. Ramlee, S. Shamsuddin and Aziz Sattar.

The late legend Tan Sri P. Ramlee is in the limelight for his multiple contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, singer, filmmaker and composer.

A mural of an olden-day grocery shop.

He died 50 years ago at 44 but his legacy lives on until today through the 66 movies he starred in, the 35 movies he directed and 250 songs that he composed.

Also pictured on the wall is Saloma, a singer known as the “Marilyn Monroe of Malaya”. She was also P. Ramlee’s wife and the couple collaborated on many projects.

Comedian and film veteran actor Mat Sentul, famous for his role as an investigative agent in Mat Bond, is among artistes featured in the murals.

Another mural that brings back those glorious times depicts the Bujang Lapok comedy movie series starring P. Ramlee, S. Shamsuddin and Aziz Sattar that brought so much laughter to Malaysian households.

Mohd Adlan said one of the many challenges faced when painting the murals was the state of the building, which is old.

A mural of the old Kuala Lumpur railway station that played a significant role in connecting people to the city in the 1960s.

“The walls are not strong. Some are uneven and damaged, especially the ones on the outside that have been exposed to the elements.”