Adil Najam
The much- and multi-talented artiste Moin Akhter died on April 22, 2011. The word ‘legend’ is sometimes used rather loosely by us South Asians. Not every one who has been called a ‘legend’ really was. But Moeen Akhtar, clearly was one. Pakistan is poorer today because he is no longer with us.
His was a voice, a presence, a wit that I grew up with. I have memories of him from every stage of my life. Testimony to his versatility is the fact that even as I try, I cannot today put my finger on the one memory of Moin Akhter than stands out above others. There are as many Moeen Akhtar’s as there are memories. And all the memories are good memories.
Moeen sahib was an ‘artiste’ in the true sense of the word. He excelled in all he did, and he did much: stand-up comedian, actor, talk-show host, stage-show MC, singer, impersonator, mentor to other performers, all-round and all-round good-guy. In many respects, however, his greatest talent was his knack for bringing out the best in all those around him. He was larger than life, yet he was understated – partly because he made what he did seem so easy and so natural that we often did not fully appreciate his genius, and partly because even when joking about them he was forever making those he was joking with or joking about look good.
I heard of his death while traveling in California and my reaction – like of so many other Pakistanis was of deep and heartfelt shock. I have had the pleasure of meeting him many times – even being the butt of his barbs on occasion – but it was not until now, and especially as I began assembling this post, that the full magnitude of his versatility and talent hit me. I knew of it all the time, but like so many others I had internalized it so much that the magnitude of his abilities was taken for granted.
We at ATP have written about him before. And there is much that I want to, and should, be saying today. But I cannot. Because I do not think I could do justice to his talent. I hope our readers will. Maybe the best way to remember him today is to remember him with a smile. His was a talent that always spoke for itself. So let us let that talent speak for itself once again as we think of him today – in prayer, in fondness, and, yes, with a smile.
The early – maybe the earliest – Moeen Akhtar. On the Zia Mohiuddin Show:
Moin Akhtar the actor. No laughing Matter:
The much-talented and the multi-talented Moin Akhter, with friends:
Moeen Akhter the Singer. His tribute cassette to Ahmed Rushdie is worth listening to:
Moeen Akhter the Compere. A master of timing it just right:
Some final words. Some serious thoughts on Pakistan’s today and tomorrow. Rendered in sincerity and without bitterness. Worth listening to.
Sad demise of one of the most talented comedians of Pk. Adil bhai – thanks for putting together the video clips here.
The thing I liked about his comedy was that he didn’t resort to ‘juggat-bazi’ and vulgar jokes – as common in Pk theater – to get cheap laughs.
The last video in above collection indeed comprises of words worth thinking.
His rendition of ‘Bandar Road se kimari’ above is also worth listening.
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “’Moin Akhtar’ the legacy no one can replace him & no one will, the biggest lost in the Pakistan art & entertainment industry, very sad news.”
– “i like him so much he was a legend”
– “May Almighty Allah Bless his Soul, Forgive his lapses, Shower him peace and blessing, and reward him the best place in heaven…ameen, ameen, ameen. He will indeed be missed for all time to come.”
– “The name of Moin Akhtar was become integral part of our life but after his death the deficiency in the life of every TV artisit will appear and being Pakistani we lost priceless gem”
– “his Soul enjoy peace and honour that you deserve being so brilliant human Being Moin Akhtar we Pakistanis love you alot and may be no one else there to bless us with smiles and laughter that you gifted US!!!”
– “In spite of the pressure of life that everybody ought to pass-through, Moeen Akhtar had the GREATEST charisma that drew a smile over millions of Urdu Speaking nations for decades, and his unrecoverable loss will cause a vacuum in the chain of outstanding comedians that South-East Asia have ever known.
He will indeed be missed for all time to come…”
– “HE WAS A GREAT HUMAN BEING ALSO.I GOT ONLY ONE CHANCE IN MY LIFE TO MEET HIM.MAY HE GET AN AWARD OF HUMANITY FROM THE GOD IN THE ”
– “wo krta tha mazak apni maot ka aksar…aaj haqeeqat ma humen chor kr chala gya….love u always”
– “he wa a gr8 actor, no any one who alternate his man”
– “moin akhtar………….greatman!”
I had the opportunity of meeting him when he came to Boston to help Imran Khan raise funds for Shaukat Khanum. I was impressed by his humble demeanor and willingness to undergo hardships for the greater cause.
Moin Akhtar death feel like a death of a family member!
Whole nation is in shock!!
What a man and true son of soil he was!
We love you Moin Akhtar as much you loved us!!
May Allah bless your soul! – Aameen
Moin also supported poor artistes. Lehri himself said that Moin was running his home. Comedian Farid Khan said the same. Pakistani showbiz fraternity is big on shedding tears but doing nothing. Perhaps it is the right time to learn from Moin’s generosity and start supporting those in need. The government should also take action, especially for Lehri, who always did extempore dialog delivery and never took help from any script. Such was his talent. Many poor artistes need financial and medical help.