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An afternoon at the barber's

A recurring scene in 'Labu-Labi'
They say a doctor and a barber knows more secrets about their clients than any other professionals. Sometimes, politicians and policeman hang around the tonsorial artists' outlets to gauge their popularity or hear about the latest gossip around town! By just starting a conversation with their customers and keeping their eyes and ears open, the barbers will pick up so many cues. Just like a scene from the sitcom 'Cheers', their customers keep on coming to continue their banter and small chats.

Three wives meet in 'Madu Tiga'
On my last visit to my barber, who is very Indian in his outlook after being educated in Tamil medium school and only has Tamil magazines in his shop, our conversation which is usually in as much as possible in pristine, unadulterated Tamil (avoiding English words) went on to the topic of P. Ramlee movies!

His assistant, an Indian immigrant on a work contract, join in the fun. I was pleasantly surprised that both of them were also fans of P. Ramlee films and had viewed his movies for umpteen times and still laugh at the antics. Offhand, they narrated their memorable moments in Ramlee's films - scenes from Madu Tiga, Labu Labi etcetera.
It is amazing how the old Malay movies transcended all barriers and had infiltrated all levels of society!
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Comments

  1. Anonymous24 August 2012 at 22:12

    Not bad ... Indian immigrant also enjoy P. Ramlee movies....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous20 April 2021 at 21:48

    Im amazed too...India citizen enjoyed a malay movie?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rifle range boy24 April 2021 at 07:13

      The thing is that P Ramlee used to make movies that involve all layers of society. Hence, everyone can relate to the characters and storyline.

      Delete

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