National Artistes Day sparks fond memories of P. Ramlee

Compiled by C. ARUNO, ARFA YUNUS and R. ARAVINTHAN

MARCH 22 is National Artistes Day, but it also brought back memories of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee as it coincided with the legendary star’s birthday.

His son, Sazali, 65, said nothing made him happier than celebrating his father’s massive contribution to the creative industry despite the latter’s demise 51 years ago.

Sazali said he fondly remembers his “daddy”, who would have turned 95 this year.

“I could never repay the kindness of those who remember him; what more with me being sick currently. I hope everyone will offer a prayer for daddy on this day,” he said, as reported by Berita Harian Online.

In 2022, the government announced the decision to change National Artistes Day from May 29 to March 22 to commemorate P. Ramlee’s birthday.

Commenting on the royalties for P. Ramlee’s works, which ended on May 29 last year, Sazali said he hopes the payment will be extended from 50 years to 70 years. P. Ramlee acted in 66 films, 35 of which he directed, and composed 250 songs

> Singer Nabila Razali, 32, anticipates a fulfilling Ramadan this year as she celebrates with husband Nik Iruwan Nik Izani, 39.

However, she also admits to feeling nervous as it marks her first time preparing food for her husband for both iftar (breaking of fast) and sahur (pre-dawn meal), reported Harian Metro.

Having been married four months, Nabila, who gained popularity through songs Permata Hati and Peluang Kedua, said they are both now getting familiar with each other’s careers and schedules.

“Because of our busy schedules, I only cook when I get the time,” she said, adding that she is glad to find that her husband is not a fussy eater.

The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.