Saloma

Saloma

Born: January 22, 1935
Died: April 25, 1983
in Singapore, Straits Settlements (now Singapore)
Biduanita Negara Puan Sri Datin Amar Salmah Ismail or better known as Saloma (22 January 1935 – 25 April 1983) was a Malay Singaporean-Malaysian singer, film actress, trendsetter and a fashion icon of Banjar and Bawean descent who became well known in the late 1950s until the early 1980's of Malay Cinema. Born on Pasir Panjang, Singapura, she is the sister to the actress Mariam Ismail who was also known as Mariani. She was nicknamed as the "Marilyn Monroe of The East".

Saloma was well known for her vocal ability in singing, which was depicted as "lemak merdu", (a full, rather thick but sweet voice). She was signed with EMI music records and since then has released numerous EP's such as Dendang Saloma (1957), Bunga Negara (1963) and Aslirama (1972). Some of her most popular songs throughout her career including ‘Selamat Pengantin Baru’ and ‘Bila Larut Malam.

Saloma also ventures in acting careers when she acts in several films such as Azimat (1958) and Kaki Kuda (1958). Some of her most memorable works as an actress was in Seniman Bujang Lapok (1961) as Cik Salmah, Ragam P. Ramlee (1964) and Ahmad Albab (1968) as Mastura. Saloma was awarded the title Biduana Pertama Negara (First National Songbird) in 1978 for her contribution towards the music industry in Malaysia and the title Puan Sri in 1990, as the wife of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. P. Ramlee.

After the death of her husband, P. Ramlee, in 1973, Saloma was overwhelmed with grief and depression that took a toll on her health. It led her to suffer from a number of illnesses which caused her to look thin and sickly. She was admitted to Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Selangor before her death on 25 April 1983 at the age of 48 caused by liver failure associated with jaundice. She was buried at the Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur between the graves of her ex-husband Aman Ramlie and husband P. Ramlee.

Movies for Saloma...

Putus Sudah Kaseh Sayang
Title: Putus Sudah Kaseh Sayang
Character: Herself
Released: January 1, 1971
Type: Movie
Che 'Rostam worked as a bank manager. He has a wife named Rosmah and her young man named Rostam. Rosmah disease paralyzed and just move around the house using a wheelchair. Rostam who often endure the inner silence at home, often attended events organized by his friends. Meanwhile, his son Rosman is often a waste of time hovering in entertainment center, especially in a tea shop where Lisdar working as a waiter. Lisdar was a widow with a daughter who reared by his grandmother in the village. In the workplace Lisdar, also captivated many visitors but are included Rosman. On one night, Rostam was acquainted with at a dinner Lisdar friends. Because of too much alcohol, Rostam was drunk and took lodging at the house Lisdar flat. Meanwhile, Rosmah really never worried because Rostam did not return or stay in place for 21 years, they got married. The next day, when Rostam returned he had lied to his wife ...
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Dr. Rushdi
Title: Dr. Rushdi
Character: Herself
Released: January 26, 1970
Type: Movie
Dr. Rushdi and his wife Mariana attended a get together held by Rozaiman. As the event was going on Dr. Rushdi received an emergency call from one of his patients. He had to leave his wife behind and attend to his patient. Mariana and Rozaiman gotten to know each other on that night. Since then they had this secret affair everytime Dr. Rushdi attended to his patients and has not attended to his wife's need.
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Gerimis
Title: Gerimis
Released: December 22, 1968
Type: Movie
Kamal, Azman, Bakhtiar and Tijah are the children of Musyid the wealthy businessman. Kamal normally spends most of his time drawing portraits. One day he came to know night club singer and wanted to draw her portrait. Their relationship lasted till they both decided to get married. Kamal's father and Leela's father disagrees with their wishes. They both decided to run away and get married. They both lived a happy life eventhough it was very much an ordinary life. A year passed and Leela gave birth to a child. Kamal had to wrok extra hard and taking up an extra job as his drawings didn't make much money. One day Tijah, his sister came to see them and informed of the recent news that his father has passed away. When the will was read he was not left even a single cent of his father's wealth.
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Papa's Pet
Title: Papa's Pet
Character: Cameo
Released: January 1, 1968
Type: Movie
Che 'Aaron is a manager of a rubber plantation owned by his own father. He is spending lavishly and often results money. Even so, he is also a trustee and not using office funds. He was heavily in debt with loan sharks and even acquaintances Che 'Normah a nightclub singer. To pay off his debts, Che 'Aaron had to lie to his father, Dato' Mahfiz by stating that he needed the money for getting married. Dato 'Mahfiz who live far away from her already urged Che' Aaron to marry. Hearing the good news, Dato 'Mahfiz not think long and continues to send RM5, 000 to his son.
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Ahmad Albab
Title: Ahmad Albab
Character: Mastura
Released: January 1, 1968
Type: Movie
A movie about an arrogant and materialistic man who marries off his outspoken daughter to a poor villager to teach her a lesson.
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Keluarga 69
Title: Keluarga 69
Character: Herself
Released: December 22, 1967
Type: Movie
Keluarga 69 is a classic family comedy that is about wealth and reputation. Osman was driven out by his unscrupulous father but with a twist of fate he managed to clinch a recording contract and strive with the help of beautiful lady.
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Sesudah Suboh
Title: Sesudah Suboh
Character: Guest singer
Released: January 1, 1967
Type: Movie
The life of Arrifin and his family, a wife and two kids is not as happy as he want it to be. He always stay working until night at his book shop as his family seem didn't treat him well. He then meet Alice when her car broke down.
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Nasib Do Re Mi
Title: Nasib Do Re Mi
Released: July 20, 1966
Type: Movie
Do, Re and Mi in this sequeal tells the tale of a group of gangsters who are planning to rob a bank. So they use this oppurtunity to con them out of it and capture them at the same time. Many comedic memorable moments are carried out through the movie.
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Do Re Mi
Title: Do Re Mi
Character: Special apperance
Released: July 15, 1966
Type: Movie
Do, who doesn't take much consideration about his marriageis circled with so many debts. He lied to his mother in law to get some money. Do and his wife eventually got a divorce and Do moved out to Kuala Lumpur to start a new life. Re on the other hand has a wife who is working at a night club whereas he stays at home and takes care of the house chores. Due to re's negligent behaviour his wife's money was stolen and he was told to leave the house bringing him dragging himself to the big city. Mi, a bachelor who is head over heels with the girl who is staying across his house often loans him some money. While Mi was out looking for a job he helped out capturing the theif who snatched a lady's handbag alongside with Re and Do who was in the area and helped out as well. They became close friends since then.
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Sabarudin Tukang Kasut
Title: Sabarudin Tukang Kasut
Character: Puteri Sabarina
Released: May 31, 1966
Type: Movie
The story revolves around a poor but honest cobbler, Sabarudin, who is influenced by a friend that honesty does not pay. He later claims himself as a jewel merchant and gains the trust and money of the city merchants. Soon the merchants feel cheated and lodge a report to the Sultan. Summoned into the Sultan’s court, Sabarudin is requested to clarify the value of precious stone belonging to the Sultan.
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Dajal Suchi
Title: Dajal Suchi
Character: Penyanyi Undangan
Released: January 1, 1965
Type: Movie
Although regarded as the Beast and jinxed, but in Leman heart embedded values of good such as can stand animal been tortured and very helpful. Even his mother feel ashamed of him. Luckily his grandfather is a good man and look after him. What will fate bring for him?
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P.Ramlee Characteristics
Title: P.Ramlee Characteristics
Character: Penyanyi
Released: December 2, 1964
Type: Movie
The compilation of P.Ramlee's greatest movie film.
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Tiga Abdul
Title: Tiga Abdul
Character: Herself
Released: April 22, 1964
Type: Movie
Tiga Abdul (The Three Abduls) is a 1964 Malaysian comedy film directed by and starring P. Ramlee. It tells the story of three brothers who are caught in a web of trickery set by the cunning Sadiq Segaraga who uses his three daughters to fleece the three brothers of all their wealth. The movie is a tribute to traditional folktales with a moral set into the story and is set a fictional middle eastern country named Isketambola, which is loosely based on Istanbul, Turkey.
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Holiday in Tokyo
Title: Holiday in Tokyo
Released: February 16, 1964
Type: Movie
In the bustling streets of Tokyo, Rosnah, a spirited Malaysian woman, wins a dream trip with her uncle Ali and is chauffeured around by Kunio and Mariko. Sparks fly as Kunio falls for Rosnah, who's already committed to her, Darus. When Mariko confesses her love for Kunio, Rosnah steps in to mend hearts and bridges cultural gaps, leading to unexpected bonds and a happy ending back in their village where love conquers all.
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Madu Tiga
Title: Madu Tiga
Character: Cameo
Released: January 1, 1964
Type: Movie
Jamil, already married decided to get a second wife, Hasnah, without Latifah's permission. Latifah came to know about it went to his wedding ceremony and created a big chaos. Jamil ran away and stayed low key for few days in a hotel thinking of his next move. Just when everything was calm and smooth, Jamil met Rohani and it was love at first sight. Jamil decided to get married... again. Will love prevail?
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Nasib Si Labu Labi
Title: Nasib Si Labu Labi
Character: Biduanita Saloma
Released: July 2, 1963
Type: Movie
Set sometime after the events of the previous film, Haji Bakhil's wife has died. Haji Bakhil is alone and depressed, but eventually meets a beautiful young woman named Murni, who is a teacher at a school for orphans. Haji Bakhil spends some time pursuing her, and his attention is apparently not unwelcome.
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Love Parade
Title: Love Parade
Character: Malay singer
Released: January 21, 1963
Type: Movie
The winning couple of Linda Lin Dai and Peter Chen Hu light up the screen in the delightful Shaw Brothers musical Love Parade. The manager of a dance company places a personal ad in the newspaper. He receives a response but has no idea the woman is his top dancer, with whom he has an antagonistic relationship.
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Labu dan Labi
Title: Labu dan Labi
Character: Biduanita Saloma
Released: April 1, 1962
Type: Movie
Haji Bakhil, a miser, have two servants, Labu - the cook, and Labi - the driver. The two of them have secret admiration for Haji Bakhil's beautiful daughter, Manisah. After a hard day's work, Labu and Labi started talking about their girlfriend not knowing that they both admire the same women. During bedtime, they lamented to each other about their life being poor and wondered what would happen if they were rich and famous. Labu pretended that he was a doctor and Labi a magistrate judge
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Seniman Bujang Lapok
Title: Seniman Bujang Lapok
Character: Salmah
Released: July 4, 1961
Type: Movie
The film tells the story of the happy-go-crazy trio Ramli, Aziz and Sudin, and their daily problems living in a crowded boarding house. Jobless and penniless, they decide to try their luck as movie stars. They are told by the studio manager that they will be given a break if they can prove their talent at a screen test. Sudin gets into his antics which catches the attention of the studio manager. Will show biz fame change them in any way?
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Saudagar Minyak Urat
Title: Saudagar Minyak Urat
Character: Special apperance
Released: January 1, 1959
Type: Movie
Racking Oil Merchant Films is a film classic Malay published in 1959 in black and white . This form of comedy film was directed by Ramon A. Estella .
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Kaki Kuda
Title: Kaki Kuda
Character: Bedah
Released: January 1, 1958
Type: Movie
The movie is about the gambling horse racing. Although the film played in the form of comedy is filled with examples This film surrounds a wealthy tycoon who is addicted to horseracing and horse betting. (He lives in Holland Hill, a rich man’s enclave) The tycoon’s driver impersonates him to get hitched to his love interest. His syce at the horse stables is a friend of the driver, and he too pretends to be a doctor and falls for the lady he administers “treatment” on.
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The Seal Of Solomon
Title: The Seal Of Solomon
Released: January 1, 1958
Type: Movie
Remi found a magical stone that in the end destroy his family and even his own life.
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My Brother
Title: My Brother
Released: January 1, 1956
Type: Movie
Date first general impressions: 1956 Pattern movie: Black and White. Malay Film Productions Ltd. ... Film Company
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Empat Isteri
Title: Empat Isteri
Character: Rokiah
Released: April 30, 1955
Type: Movie
It tells the story of a broken marriage of a tycoon husband and his four wives.
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Angin Berpesan
Title: Angin Berpesan
Released: September 28, 1954
Type: Movie
A film by Naz Achnas attributed to 1951 and/or 1953. Some press reviews date to 1954.
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Sesal Tak Sudah
Title: Sesal Tak Sudah
Released: November 29, 1952
Type: Movie
Singapore production directed by A.R. Tompel.
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Pelangi
Title: Pelangi
Released: May 13, 1951
Type: Movie
This film has a certain distiction of its own - it is the first to be written and directed by a Malay, Nas Achnas, a well known Singapore Malay artist. Starring Ismail Kassim and Nona Asiah, noted radio and record singer, the film is about a Malay who runs away from his kampong in order to avoid forcible marriage to his cousin. - The Straits Times, 8 Apr 1951