#SHOWBIZ: Tony revels in portraying P. Ramlee
TONY Eusoff, the 48-year-old actor, has described playing the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee onscreen and in theatre as a significant honour in his two-decade-long artistic career.
Tony, whose full name is Anthony Joseph Hermas Rajiman, shared that he never tires of portraying the legendary artiste.
"I've acted in the 'P. Ramlee The Musical' theatre production and the 'Saloma' TV mini series, which is based on the life story of the late Puan Sri Saloma and previously starred Nabila Huda.
"If it's Saloma's story, there must be a P. Ramlee character in it. I never get tired of playing P. Ramlee because he's a legend, an icon of our arts and culture," he said recently at the premiere of his film, 'Mencari Ramlee'.
Tony also revealed he had previously dreamt of acting in a P. Ramlee film.
"The first time I played P. Ramlee was in the 'Saloma' biopic. I watched many films which starred him and thoroughly studied his character — his movements, his speech, and so on.
"Perhaps because I often watched P. Ramlee's films every night, I even dreamt of acting in one of them.
"But I didn't meet him in my dreams. I only dreamt of acting as P. Ramlee, but it wasn't clear, and the dreams were in black and white," he said.
Speaking about his role in 'Mencari Ramlee', Tony admitted that he initially felt unqualified to play the lead character.
"I see many other actors who could play P. Ramlee and sing better, like Musly Ramlee, but the director had his vision.
"I asked Megat Sharizal, the director of 'Mencari Ramlee', and he told me he chose me for the main role because he believed in my talent to give the best performance for the character.
"Perhaps it's because we've been friends for a long time, and directors often cast actors from among their friends to collaborate on films," he said.
'Mencari Ramlee' also stars Sofia Jane and Mimi Lana, and began screening in cinemas yesterday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Actor calls out Madonna for using iPad during Broadway musical 'Hamilton'
In 2013, Madonna was caught furiously texting during the New York Film Festival premiere of '12 Years A Slave'. Photo: TNS Former Hamilton star Anthony Ramos is calling out Madonna for being on her iPad the entire time she was in the audience of the Tony-winning Broadway hit. While appearing on Watch What Happens Live this week, the Brooklynite, 33, exposed the Queen of Pop's lack of etiquette after Andy Cohen asked him to identify 'the most terrifying celebrity' he'd seen in the crowd during his run in Hamilton . 'The most terrifying was Madonna with an iPad in her face … the whole time,' recalled Ramos, who originated the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. 'I was like, damn, shorty, if you're not enjoying it that much, you know the door's right there. You ain't gotta stay here.' In 2015, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda — who also originated the role of the titular Founding Father — wrote in a since-deleted tweet that 'tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage,' according to A source told the outlet at the time that Madge not only arrived late to the show, but used her phone multiple times during both acts. The Hamilton incident came about a year-and-a-half after Madonna was caught furiously texting during the New York Film Festival premiere of 12 Years A Slave in 2013. In the wake of that incident, the Alamo Drafthouse cinema chain said she was banned from their theatres until she issued an apology to moviegoers. However, Madonna might have mended her ways in the intervening years, having famously enacted a cellphone ban during her 2019 Madame X Tour. 'People loved it and appreciated it,' a promoter told London paper The Times . 'They could just enjoy the show and interact with each other with nothing obstructing the view.' A tour insider at the time also said Madonna was hoping to engender some 'intimacy' by playing smaller venues for screen-free crowds. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
P. Ramlee legacy concert set for Sept 20
Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. 27 Jun 2025 01:00pm Tickets will go on sale starting June 26 via and updates about the concert can be found on the official social media pages @konsertlegasipramlee, @TanahAirFilms and @legasipodcast on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - The timeless songs of the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee will be brought to life at 'Konsert Legasi P. Ramlee', set to take place at Mega Star Arena, Sungei Wang Plaza, here on Sept 20. Organised by Tanahair Films Sdn Bhd, the concert is a continuation of the P. Ramlee Premier Project, led by Datuk Khairul Anwar Salleh and Adlin Aman Ramlie. Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. - Bernama photo It is expected to feature a mix of classic, contemporary and popular performances presented in theatrical, dramatic and cinematic formats. Among the singers who will grace the stage that evening are Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Zainalabidin, Ella, MimiFly, Nadeera and Liza Hanim, as well as three personalities closely associated with the persona of P. Ramlee - P. Radhi, Danie Hasbullah and Musly Ramlee. Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. "When we talk about heritage, the name Tan Sri P. Ramlee is a symbol that unites us all. He was an artiste, a thinker, a cultural leader and a symbol of regional unity. In every lyric he wrote, every scene he acted in and every musical score he composed, there were values that transcended time. "The goal is to introduce Tan Sri P. Ramlee to a new generation, not just as a historical figure or as an icon displayed in museums but as the originator of a legacy that defined the identity of Malaysia's artistic and cultural heritage,' he said at a press conference. P. Ramlee, one of Malaysia's most beloved and versatile entertainers, can never be replaced or imitated, he said, adding that his unique talent and contributions are far too significant to be forgotten. The concert initiative is also supported by the National Archives of Malaysia, the Ministry of National Unity, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) under the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Adlin, who is Tanahair Films' artistic director, said the event would be an emotional one. "It will not only be nostalgic but also refreshing and impressive, with the touch of four renowned Malaysian music maestros. "The audience will be taken back to the golden era of Malay music, reimagined through the interpretations of these four maestros,' he said. The four, Datuk Ramli MS, Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, Helen Yap and Michael Veerapen, will serve as music directors for the concert, where over 30 of P. Ramlee's songs will be performed. The songs will be presented in medley, duet or solo formats with both classic and modern arrangements, accompanied by an orchestra of about 60 musicians. Tickets will go on sale starting June 26 via and updates about the concert can be found on the official social media pages @konsertlegasipramlee, @TanahAirFilms and @legasipodcast on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. - BERNAMA More Like This
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Sinar Daily
More than a haircut: Meet the Rembau barber who sings P. Ramlee songs flawlessly
You might assume the singer is Malay, but in Rembau, that voice belongs to Ng Kim Soy, an 81-year-old Chinese barber who not only sings but has also memorised almost all of the legendary artiste's songs. Even at 81, Ng Kim Soy still skillfully cuts hair for his customers, fulfilling special requests at his "P. Ramlee Barbershop" in Rembau. REMBAU – Close your eyes and listen to the familiar strains of a Tan Sri P. Ramlee classic sung with perfect pronunciation. You might assume the singer is Malay, but in Rembau, that voice belongs to Ng Kim Soy, an 81-year-old Chinese barber who not only sings but has also memorised almost all of the legendary artiste's songs. Ng Kim Soy reminisces, holding a photo of himself singing at an event during his younger days, a testament to his lifelong passion for music. In fact, his barbershop on Jalan Dato Undang in the town of Rembau has been nicknamed the "P. Ramlee Barbershop" by locals due to his deep admiration for the legend, who passed away 52 years ago. At times, he even entertains customers with renditions of P. Ramlee songs while they get their haircut, especially "Jangan Tinggal Daku" and "Bunyi Gitar." 'As far as I remember, I developed an interest in P. Ramlee's songs when I was 16, because I would often hear them played at wedding feasts in the village and I lived among the Malay community. Ng Kim Soy reminisces, holding a photo of himself singing at an event during his younger days, a testament to his lifelong passion for music. 'Eventually, the songs stuck in my head and I have managed to memorise 20 of them to this day," he told Sinar. According to the father of three, it wasn't difficult to remember the lyrics because the melodies were pleasant and easy on the ears. Kim Soy said that unlike many songs today, which tend to have high notes and are harder to follow, P. Ramlee's music was more accessible. 'In the past, we needed vinyl records to listen to songs, but now it's easy; everything is on the internet,' he said. Recalling fond memories, he said he once received an invitation to sing in front of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the late Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, at an event. Kim Soy said that moment was the greatest honour of his life and one he would always cherish. 'To me, P. Ramlee's songs are simple, but his silky smooth voice and vocal nuance were priceless. You can't find that in any singer today. Apart from his songs, I also enjoy watching all of his films,' he said. Even at 81, Ng Kim Soy still skillfully cuts hair for his customers, fulfilling special requests at his "P. Ramlee Barbershop" in Rembau. He shared that he is frequently asked by friends to sing at wedding receptions. 'Many people think I'm Malay when they hear me sing. I often joke that I'm Malay, just not Muslim,' he said. When asked about his profession as a barber, Kim Soy said he began cutting hair at the age of 17, a trade that is now carried on by his three sons. However, he stated that most of the work is now handled by his children, except when there are special requests from customers. 'My eldest son, now 40, has taken over the Rembau shop. My second son, who is 39, runs his own shop in Senawang, while the youngest is in Sarawak. "Among my three sons, only the second one shares my love for P. Ramlee's songs,' said Kim Soy, who opens his shop daily from 10am to 6pm.
