KUALA LUMPUR: Today’s Doodle celebrates the beloved Malaysian actor, singer, and fashion icon best known as Saloma.
Who is Saloma, and what was she best known for?
A trend-setter of Malaysian entertainment from the late ‘50s through the early ‘80s, Saloma recorded over 500 songs, and through her charismatic film work, paved the way for future generations of female actors in the country.
An icon for all time
Saloma was born Salmah Ismail in Singapore on January 22, 1932, and first started to explore her skills as a vocalist at just seven years old. By her teenage years, she began to sing professionally, starting her music career through performances at nightclubs and weddings.
Once Saloma transitioned to acting by the mid ‘50s, she quickly became a celebrity figure. In 1961, she married fellow multi-hyphenate entertainment icon P. Ramlee, and over the years that followed, the legendary power couple forever altered Malaysian entertainment through music and film. Sporting her signature coiffed hairdo and inimitable clothing (much of which she sewed herself), Saloma starred in movies throughout the ‘60s and released albums for the rest of her life.
On this day in 1978, she made history when she was awarded Malaysia’s first Biduanita Negara (National Songbird) by the Malaysian government of the time.
Keeping her memory alive
To all fans out there, be sure to check out our specially curated Saloma playlist with some of her notable hits such as ‘Bila Larut Malam’, ‘Di Manakan Ku Cari Ganti’ and ‘Perwira’.
While you’re at it, be sure not to miss YouTube creator Cassidy La Creme’s elegant rendition of Saloma’s Chik Chik Ke Boom and Nur Amira Syahirah’s epic drum accompaniment to Selamat Pengantin Baru! -Google
