Moin Akhtar: Gone, but not forgotten
By Saadia Qamar
Published: April 21, 2012
KARACHI: It’s a sunny Friday morning; I am sitting in the veranda of one of Pakistan’s famous writers Anwar Maqsood. And there is only one thing on his mind — comedian Moin Akhtar. Having been a full year since the comedic legend’s passing, it seems the nation, especially his close friends and colleagues, have still not gotten over this immense loss.
Talking about their friendship over the years, Maqsood said, “It was a relationship that spanned 38 years and was primarily based on scripted words.” Having interacted with Akhtar on-screen as well as off-screen over the last few decades, Maqsood added that Akhtar’s brilliance wasn’t limited to his reel life only as he was an even better human being. He helped several people financially and assisted many in securing employment.
Maqsood added that although the comedian appeared in various satirical shows, he wasn’t a big fan of criticising the government. “Akhtar was a man who would never say a word against the army rule nor against any of the civilian governments. He would be highly disappointed if he was told to act such a script on air. He would often leave the sets if he found the script too critical of the regime of the time and would request me to change it.” Regarding script changes and alterations, Maqsood added, “Whatever I have ever written for Akhtar and Bushra Ansari, they have never toyed with it on screen.”
Love for life
Maqsood also recalled Akhtar’s love for life. “Akhtar was very fond of dressing up and would love to see himself in front of a mirror. He had his own signature style.” Besides dressing up, he also enjoyed good food. “Even if Akhtar had eaten something half an hour back, he would never miss a chance to have something delicious again.”
On the future of Pakistani entertainment and showbiz industry, Maqsood said, “Although there is plenty of talent in the country, there is still no structured road ahead and no clear path to follow. Akhtar has already left us and soon it will be my time. So it’s best that young people come forward now and replace us.”
Mansoor Akhtar recalls his legendary father
Mansoor Akhtar, the legendary comedian Moin Akhtar’s son, spoke to The Express Tribune about his father and his upbringing over the years. Mansoor says that while Akhtar was known to make everyone smile and laugh on television, he was a stern father at home, especially during Mansoor’s childhood years. “He was so strict with us that sometimes when we wanted to talk to him, we would actually write him letters. In response, he would also write back to us and give us advice and suggestions,” said Mansoor.
Regarding their father-son bond, the younger Akhtar said that he grew closer to his father in the year 1996 when he was planning on going to the US for further studies. Once he left in 1997, their bond strengthened and it was only on his father’s insistence that he returned to Pakistan.
Considering that Akhtar was a household name in the industry, it’s surprising to see that his children did not grow up with a sense of entitlement. He inclulcated the values of humility and modesty in his children. Although they have great pride in being Akhtar’s children, they don’t display vanity or claim material things of this world in their father’s name.
On his father being fondly remembered to this day, Mansoor said, “The Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has already inaugurated a park in my father’s name. I have even heard about a road that has been named after him, which is somewhere in the Site area of Karachi. We are indebted to everyone who has cherished his memory and would like to thank them. At the same time, we wish that everyone remember him in their prayers and that his soul finds peace in Jannatul Firdous.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2012.
And below is the video which I have watched before, but great words by a great servant of Pakistan. Perhaps, I'll never forget his words. Particularly the second video, for all those deplored & dejected Pakistanis who have given hope on the country and reached a conclusion that there can never be anything good with Pakistan.
__________________
kya bood-o-bash poocho ho purab ke sakino! hum ko gareeb jan ke, hans hans pukar ke...
jis ko falak ne loot ke veeran kar diya, hum rehne walay hain usi ujray dyar ke -
Ha died when I was in Pakistan, when I saw the news I was just stuck, thinking of all time I saw him....heard hm...laughed at something he said. Even though he wasn't from my generation's "Star" He was had a very place in heart......for 10-20 min I was just stuck. But when I talked to other people most of them were like "Who?".....it was just horrific to see that the pioneers of our TV media was some-one people didn't even seem to remember. It's just Sad.
__________________
kya bood-o-bash poocho ho purab ke sakino! hum ko gareeb jan ke, hans hans pukar ke...
jis ko falak ne loot ke veeran kar diya, hum rehne walay hain usi ujray dyar ke -
Ha died when I was in Pakistan, when I saw the news I was just stuck, thinking of all time I saw him....heard hm...laughed at something he said. Even though he wasn't from my generation's "Star" He was had a very place in heart......for 10-20 min I was just stuck. But when I talked to other people most of them were like "Who?".....it was just horrific to see that the pioneers of our TV media was some-one people didn't even seem to remember. It's just Sad.
Yeah, I know koi nahi soochta aaj kal yeh.
It's the problem of upbringing of people. When I was a kid I was told by my elders about how to value your identity associated with your culture, your land and your people. Now people don't think that way. Most people have no idea about the value of their identity or are hay-wired in rest of the issues pertaining to Pakistan. I am glad that I grew up around people who value that identity and taught me to do the same with responsibility and humbleness. These days, I guess kids know more about Indian culture, foreign culture than their very own. And why blame them when atmosphere created around them is one which put no value in association with culture and people then they'll become Be-His. Absolutely, can't blame them.
But I know one thing, as the legend said himself: "Subah ka intezaar karna chahiye...".
There is a lot to think of before jumping on conclusion.
__________________
kya bood-o-bash poocho ho purab ke sakino! hum ko gareeb jan ke, hans hans pukar ke...
jis ko falak ne loot ke veeran kar diya, hum rehne walay hain usi ujray dyar ke -
It's the problem of upbringing of people. When I was a kid I was told by my elders about how to value your identity associated with your culture, your land and your people. Now people don't think that way. Most people have no idea about the value of their identity or are hay-wired in rest of the issues pertaining to Pakistan. I am glad that I grew up around people who value that identity and taught me to do the same with responsibility and humbleness. These days, I guess kids know more about Indian culture, foreign culture than their very own. And why blame them when atmosphere created around them is one which put no value in association with culture and people then they'll become Be-His. Absolutely, no blame on them.
But I know one thing, as the legend said himself: "Subah ka intezaar karna chahiye...".
There is a lot to think of before jumping on conclusion.
That's the dark spot of our society these days, no value. mother watches Indian serials, over pakistani, So kids naturally grow in a environment where Old Pakistani culture(True culture) is never shown or practiced.
__________________
kya bood-o-bash poocho ho purab ke sakino! hum ko gareeb jan ke, hans hans pukar ke...
jis ko falak ne loot ke veeran kar diya, hum rehne walay hain usi ujray dyar ke -
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