JAMIL, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

DATUK Jamil Sulong (1926-2014) was a film director and lyricist, as well as a writer who played a key role in Angkatan Sasterawan 50 (Asas 50), a movement to promote Malay literature in nation building.

Another key member of Asas 50 was literary giant and national laureate Datuk Usman Awang.

Jamil’s career in Malay Film Productions, Singapore, began in 1951 when he became an interpreter and assistant director. His first film was Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup in 1957.

Jamil’s other films include Bidasari, Dayang Senandong, Isi Neraka, Jasmin, Jejak Bertapak, Jiwa Remaja, Lela Manja, Permintaan Terakhir, Raja Bersiong, Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan, Sayang Anakku Sayang, Si Tanggang, Tuan Badul, Sumpahan Mahsuri.

Sayang Anakku Sayang introduced viewers to actordirector Aziz M. Osman who regarded Jamil as his filmmaking mentor. Singer-actress Uji Rashid made her film debut in Permintaan Terakhir, and teamed up with her longtime singing partner Hail Amir in Jiwa Remaja, which was based on a Hong Kong film (Dead End) which starred martial arts legends David Chiang and Thomas Ti Lung.

Jamil’s best known songs, mostly performed by Tan Sri P. Ramlee, include Berkorban Apa Saja, Tiru Macam Saya, Azizah and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Jamil married actress Rosnani Ludin a.k.a. Rosnani Jamil in 1953, and they have three children. Anwardi is their second child. Singer-songwriter Diandra Arjunaidi is their eldest son’s (Arjunaidi) daughter.t

Rosnani also became a director, for films such as Mawar Merah, Antara Dua Hati and Bicara Hati. Actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin was discovered by Rosnani, and made her film debut in Bicara Hati.

In 1958, Jamil and P. Ramlee, who were founder members of the four-year-old Malayan Artistes’ Union or Persatuan Artis Malaya (Persama) organised a special concert to raise funds to support the artistes’ and film workers’ strike at Malay Film Productions’ studio in Jalan Ampas, Singapore, for better pay and working conditions. The concert was held in April and it was here that Ramlee and Jamil wrote the famous Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri song, popularised by Datuk Ahmad Jais with its chorus “Seruan kita untuk semua, Selamat, Selamat,

Selamat Hari Raya”.