New edition of P Ramlee biography celebrates his legacy

2026-03-09 - 00:44

The updated biography ‘Sepanjang Riwayatku P Ramlee’ is aimed at telling the story of the legendary artiste to a new generation. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) KUALA LUMPUR: More than half a century after his passing, P Ramlee continues to captivate audiences – and a new edition of an illustrated biography is set bring his remarkable story to a new generation. The national archives will soon be releasing the fifth edition of “Sepanjang Riwayatku P Ramlee”, an illustrated biography that compiles photographs of artefacts and materials related to the nation’s legendary artiste. According to national archives representative Hanizah Jonoh, the updated publication is intended to honour and commemorate the actor and singer’s immense contributions to the local arts and entertainment scene. Much of the book, which takes the form of an illustrated catalogue, features materials preserved by the archives, including collections housed at the P Ramlee Memorial Library in Setapak – the filmmaker’s final residence before his passing, now converted into an exhibition centre. “For this edition, the number of pages has been increased from 80 to 104, with additional photographs and an updated layout,” Hanizah told Bernama. The images come from the archives’ own collections, and will be enhanced using AI to improve their clarity and visual appeal. Other highlights include rare documents connected to the artiste’s life, including his death certificate, as well as a range of archival materials documenting his career. The book also showcases movie posters and spotlights several of his acting works, including the classic film “Penarek Becha”. “He was known as the ‘5P’ – actor, director, musician, singer and writer – and to this day it is difficult to find someone with such a range of talents,” Hanizah said. Adding a contemporary touch is an abstract artwork by painter Stephen Menon, offering a visual interpretation of P Ramlee’s iconic persona. The book is expected to be available in the market next month. Beyond the publication, the national archives continues to preserve P Ramlee’s legacy through several heritage sites, including the Birthplace House in Penang, which remains a popular attraction for visitors from Malaysia and abroad.