KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 ― Search engine Google honours Malaysian arts legend Tan Sri P. Ramlee today with a "Doodle” on its home page here, celebrating what would be his 88th birthday.

The multi-talented actor and director was born in Penang in 1929 before passing away a few months after he turned 44 in Kuala Lumpur.

"Born 88 years ago today, P. Ramlee’s artistic achievements left a permanent mark on the cultural history of Malaysia. P. Ramlee was a prolific actor, director, writer, and musician who contributed to more than 60 films and composed around 250 songs.

"After his death in 1973, Malaysians kept his legacy alive, honoring him with posthumous awards and naming halls, museums, and other buildings after him,” Google explained its decision on its Doodle website.

The Doodle captured him during his prime, as explained by Google.

Google said the final design was a combination of the two, since the team liked them so much.

"Today’s Doodle highlights the Malaysian legend’s diverse artistry and shows him as people best remember him — sporting a thin mustache and a checkered suit, his head cocked slightly to the side,” the tech giant added.

The site also the two concept drawings for the Doodle with two different poses. Google said the final design was a combination of the two, since the team liked them so much.

P. Ramlee was born Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Putih, and began his acting career in Singapore in 1948, before later moving to work in Malaysian since 1964 until his untimely death.

He was best remembered acting and directing in evergreen comedy and drama films such as the Bujang Lapok series, Ibu Mertuaku, Anak-Ku Sazali, Madu Tiga, and Nujum Pak Belalang.

The Malaysian icon passed away from heart attack, and despite his success, was said to have died penniless.