Gary ‘Scamboy’ Ratnam, 55, died today – shocking family, friends and fellow deejays.
TraxxFM’s G. Vimal, popularly known as Double D, was shell-shocked after receiving a message from Gary’s family member.
“I’m not too sure what happened. It’s shocking and sad,” said Vimal. “If it were not for Scamboy, there would not be Double D.”
Vimal revealed it was Gary who got him through the audition and gave him his radio name.
“I was filling in for Rishiwant (Singh Randhawa) and that week changed my radio personality.
“I started the week as Vimal and ended it as Double D. It was all thanks to Gary.”
Vimal said Gary pioneered radio pranks, adding one could never know what to expect.
“It’s his antics that I will miss the most. Not many announcers today have the guts to do what he did. Gary started radio pranks.”
Fans would remember Gary for his witty remarks and pranks on TraxxFM’s (formerly Radio 4) ‘The Big Breakfast Show’ over two decades ago. He formed a formidable partnership with Rishiwant (Flying Singh) and Nigel Green (Greenman).
Gary and Nigel inked their names in the Malaysian Book of Records after standing on the top of KL Tower for 24 hours in 2004 to promote peace.
Gary and Rishiwant left radio about a decade ago but returned for a brief stint five years ago.
Gary was involved in charity work and events management while Rishiwant kept busy with humanitarian work.
Rishiwant passed away in 2018 following a motorcycle accident in Patalia, Punjab, in India.
Bernama TV producer Gerard Ratnam knew Gary well during their radio days in RTM.
“I met him about four years ago. His liveliness made my day,” said Gerard.
“The funeral is tomorrow. His family members are still shocked.”
Nigel said there was so much to say about Gary.
“Some loved him and others hated him. But if you knew him, you would love him,” said Nigel.
“He taught me how to make the best of everything, I learnt so much from him. He may have seemed hard on the outside but he was kind on the inside.”
Nigel said no one has come close to what Gary achieved.
“He once fulfilled a blind’s man dream to drive … and he drove, while being guided, around the Sepang International Circuit. Then we did the 24-hour standing feat at KL Tower.
“He was a fantastic character.”
Green will pay tribute to Gary tomorrow at 2pm on TraxxFM.
“We will play some of his old materials, including his pranks and will open the phone lines to get people to share how Gary made them smile, or made a lousy day go away.”
