Teuku Zakaria, better known as P Ramlee, was in many ways a Renaissance man, being a talented actor, director, screenwriter and producer.

Malaysians of the older generation are likely to have fond memories of watching his films on their black-and-white television sets.

Some would have been able to save up a few dollars to catch his films on the silver screen, timeless classics that continue to be screened even today. His tales of tragedy, romance, drama and comedy have the ability to entertain people born long after his time.

What was P Ramlee really like behind the curtains and away from the limelight? Few are better suited to answer this question than 88-year-old Ahmad Khan, known to music aficionados as Ahmad Nawab.

A talented entertainer in his own right, he composed over 2,000 songs and received the prestigious Seniman Negara Award in 2006.

Ever heard the iconic “Malaysia Truly Asia” jingle? That’s his work right there and he personally oversaw the recording of Tourism Malaysia’s theme song in 17 languages.

As though his career history was not colourful enough, he has also worked with the many stars of Malaysian entertainment, including Sudirman, Saloma and of course, P Ramlee.

P Ramlee would be 92 on March 22 but his life was cut short at the age of 44.

As it turns out, Ahmad Nawab and P Ramlee have a history that goes back further than one might have expected. They were both Penangites who studied at Francis Light English School, with Ahmad being four years his junior.

“At the time, people didn’t know P Ramlee as he was not a film star yet. Then, he went to Singapore and became an actor and slowly, people began to know who he was.”

While P Ramlee was honing his acting skills, Ahmad was learning music from his father, allowing him to earn a living by playing in nightclubs.

They would cross paths again though, this time in Kuala Lumpur where P Ramlee was setting up his studio, Merdeka Film, in Ampang.

“I met him in 1964. He called me and said, ‘Can you help me? I’m doing a film here in Kuala Lumpur and I have no friends. I need your help.’”

P Ramlee needed a capable composer to direct his film scores and as it happened, Ahmad was the right man for the job.

“Every week, I would go to see him. We’d talk as friends, not as actors,” said Ahmad. “He knew I was a songwriter, and so, he asked me to compose for his movies.”

Hence, Ahmad worked with P Ramlee on his classic films Do Re Mi, Nasib Do Re Mi and Sesudah Suboh.

There is a scene in the film Masam-Masam Manis where P Ramlee’s character plays a saxophone. Ahmad points out that the actor was actually miming and the music recorded was that of Ahmad playing the instrument.

“P Ramlee was a good actor but he could not play the saxophone. He could play the violin a bit, piano a bit but not the saxophone.”

Ahmad remembers his friend fondly, citing his helpfulness and his unwillingness to mudsling at those jealous of his success.

Interestingly, Ahmad says that outside of the theatre, P Ramlee was a very domestic person who appreciated his privacy.

“He was a good friend and a genius,” said Ahmad. “He liked to make films for everyone.”

Ahmad said P Ramlee’s films took inspiration from Malaysia’s different cultures, hence making them attractive and timeless to everyone.

“When you watch a P Ramlee film, you will want to watch it again and again. Other movies, you will only want to watch once.”

Ahmad also worked with starlet Saloma, before she married P Ramlee, and he remembers them as being a happy, loving couple.

One thing that has stuck with Ahmad all these years after P Ramlee’s death was a conversation they had during a music show.

The actor had invited Ahmad to watch a musical performance with him and during the show, a poignant exchange followed.

“He asked me, ‘Do you think people will remember me?’ I replied, ‘I’m sure people will remember you. You are somebody, you are special.’ I can never forget those words of his.”

There can never be another like P Ramlee, said Ahmad.

“Talent is given by God… Even if people copied his style, they would never be the same. There is only one P Ramlee,” he said.

“God gave him everything, I believe… He was a great man, talented person. Everyone should be proud that P Ramlee was from Malaysia.”

“He was a great actor, a great director, a great composer, a great singer. No one else can be like him.”