‘He brought Malaysians together’: Festival introduces P. Ramlee’s unifying legacy to a new generation

Visitors at the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival at The Grey Box, GMBB Mall. The works of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee are not only etched in the memories of older generations through his films and songs, but continue to live across generations as they are introduced to today’s children through various artistic approaches. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 16 Nov 2026 7:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 — The works of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee remain etched in the memories of older generations through his films and songs, but efforts are being made to introduce his contributions to younger generations through various creative approaches.

One of them is the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival, organised by Hikayat Fandom, which took place here yesterday. The legendary artiste’s legacy was brought to life through a mix of storytelling, musical performances, dance and exhibitions.

Hikayat Fandom founder Ninot Aziz said P. Ramlee’s works hold a special place in Malaysian society as they have the ability to unite people of different ethnicities and generations through stories and songs that remain fondly remembered.

Hikayat Fandom founder Ninot Aziz (right) with GMBB Mall General Manager Lim Ying Hui posing for a photo at the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival at The Grey Box, GMBB Mall. Efforts to keep the legacy of the Seniman Agung alive continue through the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival, organised by Hikayat Fandom, which brings together multi-generational families in a nostalgic atmosphere through storytelling, musical performances, dance and exhibitions.— Bernama pic

“P. Ramlee reminds us of the importance of keeping traditions alive so they are not lost to time or forgotten by younger generations. Through his stories and songs, he brought Malaysians from diverse backgrounds together.

“With the same spirit in mind, this festival invites us to revisit our shared heritage as we move forward as one nation,” she told Bernama when met at the festival.

For visitor Rosmasyazana Roslan, 41, events of this nature provide children with an opportunity to learn more about the country’s celebrated icon while gaining a deeper appreciation of works that once shaped the local film industry.

“It is wonderful to have programmes like this because children not only get to know P. Ramlee but also learn more about his films and artistic contributions.

“Such exposure is important to ensure they become familiar with movies and songs that were once an integral part of our society’s cultural heritage,” said the mother of four.

Among the film posters displayed at the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival at The Grey Box, GMBB Mall. — Bernama pic

Among the festival’s highlights was the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Mini Gallery, which showcased classic film posters, a collection of songs on vinyl records and archival materials contributed by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the National Archives of Malaysia.

Visitors also had the opportunity to view archival footage, including a poetry recital by National Laureate A. Samad Said, as well as take part in colouring and handicraft activities specially organised for children.

Meanwhile, Samsul Khamariah Hamzah, 69, who was involved in the festival as a storyteller, said storytelling offered a unique way of presenting artistic works through oral narration in a more relaxed and interactive manner, rather than merely watching them on screen.

Storyteller Samsul Khamariah Hamzah, 69, also known as Ummi Sham, tells a story from Nujum Pak Belalang at the P. Ramlee Nostalgia Festival at The Grey Box, GMBB Mall. — Bernama pic

“Through storytelling, we can bring the characters, atmosphere and plots to life through narration and interaction with the audience, giving them a different experience of discovering P. Ramlee’s works,” she said.

The festival was further enlivened by violin performances, singing and dance presentations, as well as a Best Costume Competition, which gave visitors the opportunity to dress up in outfits inspired by P. Ramlee and Saloma.

Throughout his career, P. Ramlee composed approximately 250 songs and acted in 66 films. He had received numerous accolades at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival, including the Best Actor award for Anakku Sazali in 1957 and the Most Versatile Talent award for Ibu Mertuaku in 1963.

The festival, themed ‘Muhibbah. Mesra. Malaysia’, was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through the 2026 GSSK grant, and organised in collaboration with RTM, the National Archives of Malaysia and GMBB, a creative community mall in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama