#SHOWBIZ: 'Without L. Krishnan, we might not have P. Ramlee,' says Fauziah Nawi

Renowned actress Datuk Fauziah Nawi has paid tribute to the late Tan Sri L. Krishnan, describing him as a pivotal figure in Malay cinema. According to Fauziah, the absence of Krishnan's contributions might have resulted in the absence of legendary actors like P. Ramlee and Mustapha Maarof. Though she never worked directly with the filmmaker, Fauziah has heard numerous stories about his influence from senior artists, including fellow actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil, which has deepened her appreciation for his legacy.

She referred to Krishnan as the "Father of the Malay film industry," highlighting his immense contribution to the field. Her most direct contact with Krishnan was during her early voice-over work in the late 1970s, when she visited his office. Universiti Teknologi MARA faculty member Ts. Mastura Muhammad echoed Fauziah's sentiments, stating that Krishnan's passing represents the loss of a few remaining figures who played a crucial role in the development of Malay cinema.

He lived through the transition from early studio filmmaking to modern cinema, spanning 104 years of the industry. During the Golden Age, major studios heavily relied on Indian directors such as B.S. Rajhans, K.M. Basker, B.N. Rao, S. Ramanathan, and L. Krishnan, who helped introduce cinematic techniques to local filmmakers. His legacy serves as an essential lesson for film students, demonstrating how Malaysian cinema evolved through cultural exchange, collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge transfer.

Born in Madras, India on October 21, 1922, Krishnan played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and introduced P. Ramlee to the silver screen through the 1950 film Bakti. He passed away in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Thursday at the age of 104 due to age-related health complications.