PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Google paid tribute to the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee on his 88th birthday by giving him a Doodle.

The March 22 Doodle shows him the way people remembered him best: sporting a thin moustache and wearing a checkered suit, his head cocked slightly to the side.

In the Doodle, the Penang-born icon, who was born Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puti, is holding a film script in his left hand and a megaphone in his right. A guitar is leaning against the director's chair that he is sitting on.

A Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google's homepage that is intended to celebrate holidays, events, achievements and people.

P. Ramlee's artistic achievements won over countless hearts and left an indelible mark on the cultural history of Malaysia.

He was a prolific actor, director, writer and musician who contributed to more than 60 films such as Bujang Lapok and Ibu Mertua Ku.

He also composed around 250 songs, including the evergreen Getaran Jiwa.

P. Ramlee was the recipient of various awards at the Asian Film Festival, such as Best Male Actor (Anakku Sazali, 1957), Best Comedy (Madu Tiga, 1964; Nujum Pak Belalang, 1960; Pendekar Bujang Lapok, 1959) and Best Musical Score (Hang Tuah, 1956).

He died of a heart attack at 44 and was buried at the Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur.

After his death in 1973, Malaysians kept his legacy alive by honouring him with posthumous awards and naming halls, museums and buildings after him.