- 10 Mar 2011
A legend relives the journey of his life
Fans, artistes, the nation grieve the loss of iconic comedian Moin Akhtar.
“Everything I did is a part of history now. To live with history is difficult but there will be people, who will say one day, there was a man who did it and did it so differently.” Those were the last words of the legendary Moin Akhtar, as recorded in an interview with The Express Tribune , before he left the world’s stage – to a standing ovation awaiting his final bow. The iconic comedian died of coronary failure in Karachi on Friday. He was 61.
Master parodist and king of Urdu comedy, the man of a million characters but one identity and that of a true showman, Moin Akhtar was someone who could bring a smile to your face no matter how bad your circumstances.
Born on December 24, 1950, Akhtar managed to achieve in the six dynamic decades of his life all one could imagine in such a small time span. He started off as a stand-up comedian in 1966-67 by impersonating Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn and John F Kennedy’s speech in which he also mimicked the voice of the former president. Akhtar was more than just a class act and that is why at a young age of 13, he played the character of Shylock in Shakespeare’sThe Merchant of Venice.
Be it theatre, TV, film, stand-up comedy, hosting and even singing Moin was the master of all crafts. It was his love for art and dedication to acting that made him famous not just within Pakistan but also across the border and the Middle East.
His plays like “Bakra Qiston pae “ and “Buddha Ghar Pae Hae” which he performed alongside Umer Sharif are still watched across the world on DVDs and YouTube.
He had already won wide acclaim following his regular appearances on Pakistan Television. He rendered several memorable performances alongside Anwar Maqsood and Bushra Ansari and is acknowledged as a pioneer, giving comedy in Pakistan a new look and direction.
Sach Much, Makan No 47, Half Plate, Rozy, Eid Train and Bandar Road sae Keamari are just some of the highlights of his career with PTV. His character of Rozy which was a series based on an adaptation of the Hollywood classic Tootsie brought his great acting talents on the mainstream, as some considered his performance equal or even better than Dustin Hoffman’s.
In his long-running show Loose Talk, Akhtar played more than 400 different characters in as many episodes and engaged in banter with Anwar Maqsood, who somehow managed to get the best out of him.
Akhtar was a proud recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance but apart from that he hosted shows involving major dignitaries and has performed on stage alongside the likes of Indian legends Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshker and Madhuri Dixit to name a few.
However, the loss is felt by everyone and no one is more aggrieved other than his fellows, seniors and juniors.
“With Moin Akhtar ends an era of outclass mimicry , he was the best impersonator of Pakistan and he is more than just a great loss to performing arts in Pakistan. He was a great person with the ability of creating wonders” Veteran TV and theatre artist Talat Hussain said.
Celebrated comedian Umar Sharif considered Moin Akhtar his elder brother and his teacher. “I was planning to gather all the comedians in Pakistan to give a tribute to him, God had planned otherwise,” Sharif told The Express Tribune Senior artists like Rahat Kazmi are equally shocked by the loss. “ If a person can play over 250 characters in 250 different episodes of a TV show than the person is capable of doing anything, it is pointless to say that he left big shoes to fill, he is irreplaceable,” Kazmi told The Express Tribune.
“He was the epitome of comedy in Pakistan and in a class of his own. We are lucky as Pakistanis to be able to call him our own,” Samina Ahmed, a senior TV actress told The Express Tribune.
Behroze Sabzwari felt that the gap would never be filled. “We cannot imagine a TV or a stage without him but sadly now we have to accept this loss” Sabzwari said.
“He polished Pakistani comedy and brought finesse to it,” said actress Sania Saeed.
The younger lot of media professionals believe that they have lost an icon and a guiding light. “I cannot imagine a Pakistan without him, his images and words are etched in our memories and shall remain forever” Azfar Ali, a TV director told The Express Tribune.
People like Javed Akhtar and Daler Mehndi from India also expressed their sorrow over the loss. Before his sad departure, Akhtar was planning to write a book about his experiences with foreign diplomats and Indian stars whom he had met and had had the privilege of performing with over the course of his career.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2011.
More in Life & Style
Adieu to Pakistan’s greatest funnyman, Moin Akhtar
tis a sad news indeedRecommend
A huge loss to Pakistan… Recommend
It’s really great loss. may god rest his soul in heaven. (Amin)Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi RajioonRecommend
Sad. Really Sad.Recommend
This person brings back good memories from my childhood. May God give strength to his family and grant Mr Akhtar Jannah.Recommend
Rest In Peace Recommend
May Allah bless him. Huge loss.Recommend
demise of a legender! Allah bless his soul Recommend
MAY GOD Rest His Soul In Peace AmenRecommend
A True Legend Passed AwayRecommend
heartbreaking news :(
May his soul rest in peace. Ameen.Recommend
very sad, May Allah show his blessingsRecommend
May this son of our nation rest in peace..as he wanted to.Recommend
Inalillah Wa Inna Elahe Rajeun… Moeen Akhtar was gem of a person! gem of a person!Recommend
only respect……..no more wordzz 4 him……. :)Recommend
Great Loss for All of Pakistan.. People shall cry for the one who made them Laugh!
Good Human. Legendary Performer.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Moin we shall Miss You!Recommend
This is a great loss for Pakistan and Pakistani entertainment industry. I remember growing up watching Moin Akhtar and Anwar Maqsood’s PTV shows. Both of them were inspiring, comedic, satirical, and classy. Although Anwar Maqsood wrote the script, the words only came to life and meaning through the charismatic delivery of Moin Akhtar. Moin Akhtar will be missed by millions of his fans including me.
May Allah (SWT) bless his soul, forgive his sins, and place him in Jannat ul Firdous, Ameen.Recommend
umar sharif’s represnted person legend moin akhtar has been died.Recommend
hi
he was my favourate actor i have ever seen … really a legend and a big loss in the tv industry..
May ALLAH rest his soul in peace …Recommend
Alas the great person the great actor the great comedian Moeen Akhtar has passed away due to heart attach. He was a truly legend. May ALL MIGHTY ALLAH bless him AMEEN SUM AMEEN. Recommend
don’t want to like this post. it’s so sad. he was my ideal in many ways..Inna lillah e wa inna ileh rajiyoon… :(Recommend
Inna Lillah-e-Wa Inna Elaihay Rajiyoon… may his soul rest in peace…Recommend
He was Allah’s gift to this nation …Recommend
very sad to hear that ,, MAY GOD GIVE AKHTAR SAAB’”S family sabar and r.i.p moin akhtar a legendRecommend
INNALILLAH wa INNA ELEHI RAJIOON!!!Recommend
One of my best friend. Helpful to all senior artists, loving, with extra ordinary talent. Right from 1966 we have been friends. My heartfelt condolences to his family members, friends and fans. This is truth for which all must be ready. He left good memories which no one can forget. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.Recommend
May the departed soul rest in peace. Ameen. What a great man he was. He will be missed!!!Recommend
May Allah Rest His Soul In Peace Ameen!Recommend
Tonight Pakistan Shall Cry for the One Who Made Them Laugh!
“Legend” . That was Moin Akhtar.
Great Loss!
May His Soul Rest In Peace.Recommend
Moin Akhtar was a great artist. :( RIP !Recommend
great loss of sub-continent Recommend
INNALILLAH wa INNA ELEHI RAJIOON!
A great loss for everyone!We are short of a great legend, and suddenly it seems that we are falling short of good people.Recommend
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun”
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, we are, to Him, returning.
I liked Moin Akhtar and watched him on TV since my childhood, he was loved all over the urdu world and he is going to be missed.Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi RajioonRecommend
this is indeed a huge loss to Pakistan.Recommend
Hilarious he was:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu5ybHyDf04
Will always be remembered.Recommend
It’s a great loss for Pakistan. He was surely an asset and will be dearly missed by not just Pakistanis but every urdu/hindi speaking fan of comedy and performing art in the world!Recommend
you were and will be much loved moeen akhtar. this is a sad day indeed.Recommend
Greatest loss to the entertainment industry of Pakistan.I think we must offer our ‘dua’ to the departed soul. May Allah rest his soul in peace.Recommend
love and prays for him…always!Recommend
We grew up with him…. I feel like i have lost someone personal… Recommend
This is so out of nowhere, truly shocking. May he rest in peace.Recommend
May Allah forgive his sins and grant him jannat ul firdus ameen.Recommend
Inna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon.
May Allah rest his soul in peace. He we really a hard worker and a true pakistani.Recommend
He was one of the blessings bestowed on Pakistan. Recommend
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI`UN
thank you Moin bhai from the loving and smiling hearts of all Pakistanis, we shall miss you because you taught us to laugh.
***This life is nothing more then an illusion****Recommend
A legendry comedian and a famous actor have today met with his Creator.
May Al-Mighty Allah rest his soul in peace.
The vacuum created after the death of Moin Akhtar will take years to fill.
Today the entire nation is sad.
I do not have proper words to condole the death of Moin Akhtar (Late) with his family members. May Al-Mighty Allah give courage to them to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen. Recommend
Another good actor pass away after Matana and Babu Bral.Recommend
Moeen’s death at this comparatively young age should start a debate on the sad state of overall health longevity in Pakistan. There is no awareness regarding the rampant heart disease and and also lack of good hospitals in Pakistan He would have lived longer if was in some western country. Do you think anyone would offer more than just accepting the fate. People wake up. Improve your country and just not offer R.I.P and think beyond “nna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon” God wants you to think and improve.Recommend
Moin Akhtar was a man of great talent. He made us laugh even when our country was falling apart around us. Always made us see the silver lining in the cloud. He brought smiles to numerous faces and for that alone i pray ALLAH grants him the highest of heavens. He leaves behind his family and numerous fans and a huge void in our television industry…a void that can never and will never be filled. I miss him already. He gave me a huge reason to be a proud pakistani. May you rest in peace. Ameen.Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Allaehi Rajeon…..
What great loss…im really sad at his demise….truely a legend!…he will truely be remember for ever and ever and ever in the hearts of Pakistanies! :(Recommend
Prominent deaths around the world start awareness and debates regarding the disease and become a starting point for either new research or improvement in policy or correct the mistakes.
The question is if there is any awareness in Pakistan that 60 or 61 is quite a young age to die. WHy health care be any different in Pakistan among the other no policy and badly governed institutions. Would Surgeon General of Pakistan come to media and talk about the heart disease and related topics?Recommend
oh what a huge huge huge loss the actor par excellenceRecommend
Oh Khuda.Recommend
Moeen Akhtar was a text book case to show how a real talent grow on its own in this country without acting schools. a depressing death.Recommend
An actor par excellence & a huge loss to the nation. Recommend
truly legend…Recommend
May Allah rest his soul and grant him happiness in the world hereafter.Recommend
Its really a great sad news for Pakistan,may Allah subhanahutallah gave him rest in peace,amin.Recommend
a very sad day for Pakistan & all Pakistanis in the world !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May Allah bless him JANNAT & SABAR to his Family, & Fan Family. :I
As Moin Akter would say”May he be serious with his angles”……….Allah hafiz Moin bhai!!!!!Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi Rajioon
A huge loss to Pakistan…
MAY GOD Rest His Soul In Peace AmenRecommend
May Allah rest his soul in Peace – AameenRecommend
seems like God has some divine plan, he wants all the comedians back in heaven. Not a good month for Pakistani Artists.Recommend
I was just reading about him a couple of days ago….never knew that this person would pass away. Sad news and may he rest in peaceRecommend
A big loss to entertainment industry!!! May Allah rest his soul in peace.Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi Rajioon .death of legendry comedian’s big lose. He left good memorie. Recommend
Its a really great sad news for PakistanRecommend
my deepest condolences to everyone loves him he was a legents and in decades you get to see people like moen akhter i know him from nazimabad no 1 house still remember his fox wegon and his grand personality.may allah bless his sole in peaceRecommend
It’s a big big loss :|
may Allah rest his soul in peace & haven …..
We’ll always remmember u Mr. Legend Recommend
Moin Akhtar –> LEGEND! RIP Sir!Recommend
This is 4th comedeian loss in last few days
Mastana
Liaqat soldier
Babbu baral
Moin Akhter
Recommend
Inna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon A true legend.. No one can fill this gap.. he is such an amazing person.. what a talent today left us.. May Allah bless him with Jannat ul firdousRecommend
So so sad, entertainment was synonymous with his name, I still find it unbelievable that he is no longer with us. May he find eternal peace and solace. Ameen.Recommend
May his sould rest in eternal peace and give his family the courage and patience to withstand such a loss.Recommend
it is very sad but ALLAH know better each and everything…………Recommend
Moin, We’ll miss you. You were our pride. We’ll never forget your work for Pakistan and the industry. You’ll always be in our hearts. We’ll never forget you. We LOVE you!
Pakistan will miss you…. :(Recommend
He was a legend and this is big loss to pakistan, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN HEAVENRecommend
@Roflcopter:
he was a classic man in all his work…i will miss him..Recommend
MAY GOD Rest His Soul In Peace AmenRecommend
Mastana, Babbo Bral, and today Moin Akhtar…..we are towards down in comedy….Indeed we shall cry for laughers….
May Allah Rest all of 3 Souls In Peace Ameen!Recommend
Inna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon.
May Allah rest his soul in peace.Recommend
It is a big loss of our nation and of our country that can not be repaired by anyone else. His departure has made a vacuum that can not be filled. Moin was a great legend, who made number of people laugh through his creative work.We all must pay him tribute and observe supplications for the peace of his departed soul and for his family to bear loss of his death. May Allah rest his soul in the peace. Ameen!! Recommend
this is devastating news indeed. may Allah(SWT) rest his soul in peace.Recommend
I dont know why my heart feels sooooo SAD for him =( He has really entertained us thoroughly and left his mark on every Pakistani’s heart. May Allah forgive all his sins and grant him Paradise because in this age there are very few people who really make others cheer, smile and feel lifted. He was an institution of grace in himself. Very sad indeedRecommend
i just saw his old program yesterday and laughed !!! what a shock !!! r i p .. Recommend
RIP
will miss uRecommend
An institution, may Allah have mercy on him and grant him jannat.Recommend
Speech less
Loss that can never meet up…..Recommend
A truly talented comedian is no longer with us.
Glad he left us tons of great memories.
We will surely miss you, Mr Moin Akhter.Recommend
The ones who prepare for their death before death are the successful ones.Recommend
Yet another loss of great legend. Some time we are unable to find the suitable words to express of joy or sorrow and right now same here with me. We were blessed by such legends from decads but now i think where we are heading towards is the end of show. Moin Bhai was the identity of Pakistan. I’m dump that why we are loosing such legends why not these bloody polititions? We love you Mine/Our and Nation’s pride , we need you, please dont go by leaving us at this moment. You are our hope and most of all the reason to smile. Moinn Bhai, Sir Khayam Sarhaddi, Mastan, Babbu Baraal……………… O LORD , ALMIGHTY ALLAH i beg you no more plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, i bow myself on my knees to pray for such legends. May your soul rest in peace Moin Bahi, I love you, i miss you. Abundent blessing upon you from ALLAH ALMIGHTY.Recommend
Inna Lillah wa inna ilaihe raji oon
plz pray 4 gr8 tv artist
Moin Akhtar who left this world
May his soul rest in peace
AameenRecommend
Note: I do realize that no matter what I say, I am always going to find myself short of words to describe the Greatness of the Man!
Let’s just say that this is indeed an irrevocable loss of epic proportions for our drama industry in general and the comic drama in particular. I know that it would be utterly unfair to restrict the man to comedy here because he was, quite simply, an actor par excellence irrespective of any particular genre. But it is also a fact that the mere sight of him would light up our moods instantly even in this day and age where suicide bombings and terroristic attacks have become a routine.
And not just that he is one of those few actors who are liked by one and all probably because he had no particular leanings (political or ethnic) and was a national figure in the truest sense. Hence his loss becomes all the more unbearable!
Sir, you will be greatly missed! And a Big Thank You for all the laughs you gave us over the years. RIP Moin Akhtar Sb!Recommend
Very sad news.May ALLAH rest his soul in jannah.
Everything happens with will of ALLAH, moeen akhtar is 3rd death of Pakistani
Celebrity. Two other stage comedians Mastana and Babu Baral is also died last week. .Recommend
I have met many artists in the media … most of them are fake artificial people… moin akhtar was a true legend a gem of a person… Pakistan will miss him ….may god rest his soul in peace …. ameenRecommend
it great for our country
Our nation miss himRecommend
great loss indeed for PakistanRecommend
:-(Recommend
this very sad news for us Allha bless himmRecommend
I am shocked to know about his death.Recommend
During the past few weeks we lost gems like Mastana, Babuu Baral, Liaqat Soldier….and today we lost a diamond, an institution, a great comedian, actor, artist, human being….we knew as Mueen Akhtar….
Our nation is already sad due to bombs, inflation and everything going from bad to worse…..but this loss as well as deaths of our other beloved comedians …has left us bereaved, shattered and poorer……
O Allah bless the departed souls of all these great people…..Amen…..Recommend
We Live In An Age, Where Pakistan as a Nation is Deprived of a Smile or a Laugh at a Literal and Simultaneously at a Metaphoric Level..Where the death of Salman Taseer killed the Albatross of a Mythic “Moderate Pakistan” that of Moeen Akhtar is the End of the “Era of Comedy”?Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi Rajioon
He was a man of dignity, pride of Pakistan who brought a class in comedy.The way he conduct his act whatever mode it was, he created a master piece in it.I always felt he is the same Moin akhtar i saw during my childhood time, He never grew old,,age wise or performance wise,May Allah gave him a place in jawar e rehmat Ameen !Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Elahi Rajioon
May Allah SWT place his soul in Heaven AmeenRecommend
great loss, indeed.Recommend
salam….moin akhtar alhamulilah is really a kind personality..i have too much love for him..but we cant disobey the nature rule..everyone had to go one day,,,,its nature of life..QULO NAFSIN ZAIKATAL MOUT….may his soul rest in peace.aminnRecommend
InnalaheWainnaalaiheRajuoon ! :’(Recommend
great lossRecommend
Moin akhtar is great lagend our conutry & never filup his space really at time me very very upset after this newsRecommend
He was one of the most influential and iconic figures in the media industry… Our hearts go out to his family, his children and to his fans worldwide. May God bless his soul!Recommend
Moin Akhtar was a man of great man. allah moin bhi ko jannat main jaga day AMMENRecommend
He was the best actor, his acting in urdu stage drama Bakra Qiston Pe was amazing “buda ghar pe hai” was my favorite line HAHA. RIP Moin Akhtar!Recommend
Please Everybody call him or remember him as a SIR. MOIN AKHTER Recommend
very heartbreaking news :(
INNA LILAHI WA’INNA ILAHI RAAJIHON…
Moin Akhtar was a great man. he made us laugh when we were sad..
A great loss of Pakistan.
May his soul rest in peace. Recommend
Not many people could make me laugh, now I will not laugh for a long time, may Allah (swt) make his journey easy and grant his family the strength to go on – we will miss you, rest in peace.Recommend
people such as Moin Akhtar are really one of a kind. ALLAH ALMIGHTY blessed this man with great talent. he was an amazing actor and far better than most hollywood and bollywood actors.he was spontaneous and versatile, and he did not over act like most actors these days do. I think it is about time that someone gave these artists the respect they truly deserve. The government should create a hall of fame for people such as him and others to appreciate their efforts and achievements…May ALLAH ALMIGHTY grant him a place in Jannat. AmeenRecommend
A biggest asset of showbiz industry has passed away from us… I think, We all cant pass any comment on his life, performance and other activities….A great legend…I think that Anwar Maqsood is nothing without him….Recommend
We have lost another great asset. May God rest his soul in peace. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun
Moin Akhtar at his best:
Roozi
Dollar Man ( AIMS Production )
Makaan no 47
Half Plate
Family-93
Eid Train
bandar road se kemari
SUCH MUCH
AANGEN TEHRA ( Guest appear )Recommend
Inna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon
We will always remember the legend due to the services he provided to Pakistani media and his fans. The contribution he made for the past many years will and shall never be forgotten. He gave us smiles and laughter amidst all the troubles and problems we face in our daily lives.
To be honest,I don’t have enough words to describe the great actor.Recommend
i am so sad.Recommend
A great loss for the Hindi / Urdu speaking people who enjoyed his comedy.Recommend
Deeply distressing news. An artist never to be equalled again. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace. AmeenRecommend
us jasee azeem hasti ke to kya baat hay.
yeh kon chala gaya hey
jo sub ko rulaa gaya hayRecommend
feeling really sad. Rest in peace. Recommend
may Allah rest Moin Akhter’s soul in peace (ameen)….& give courage to the family and friends to bear this loss……Recommend
Moin Akhtar was Pakistan’s pride. Great entertainer – huge loss to the nation! God should have taken away one of the corrupt politicians instead of Moin Akhtar. The nation and country need more people like Moin Akhtar and less of these insincere politicians. I pray and wish that Pakistan is blessed with sincere leaders and all the others are taken away by divine intervention. Recommend
RIP Moin, you will be missed by your fans.Recommend
His passing away is indeed a great loss to Pakistan be it films, TVs, media or the social and cultural circles. Pakistan will truly miss a great artist. May ALLAH ALLMIGHTY rest his soul in peace in Jannat ul Firdous. Ameen Summa Ameen. Salams for ever.Recommend
Inna Lillahi Wainna Allaehi Rajeon.this is indeed a huge loss to Pakistan.love and prays for him always!Recommend
This is the greatest loss to our entertainment industry. He will be dearly missed. Recommend
Inna Lillahe Wainna Eliahe Rajeoon.this is indeed a huge loss to Pakistan.love and prays for him…always!Recommend
moin akhtars death is greates lose our country these is ereepirabale lose for us Recommend
The Greatest Person Moin Akhter
We will never forget you
A tear in each eye reflects how much we loved you and will love you forever
May Allah bless you all happiness as you blessed happiness to people giving them laughtersRecommend
Its a great loss of our country. Moin Akhtar was a great actor. He was legend of sub-continent.Recommend
The nation can never recover form such a loss ,he was an institution in it self .He never compromised on thee quality of comody ,a man with skills who understood the pulse of people .May God rest his soul in peace.Recommend
Inna Lillah-e-Wa Inna Elaihay Raajiyoon
What a great individual he was :-(Recommend
A huge loss to the nation. He was an asset to his family, showbiz community, and to the country. Pakistan has a proud to had a human being like Moeen Akhter. A great institution. May Allah bless his soul. AmeenRecommend
He was Allah’s gift to this nation … May Allah rest him in peace . . . .Recommend
Very nice person in the world. God bless u.Recommend
I know a simple equation i.e Smile=Moin Akhtar.
I am a common man who watched him on TV but today I am sad because we all know that laughter is dead.Recommend
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI`UNRecommend
Respect!!! May his soul rest in peace. What a legend. Irreplaceable is the word.Recommend
@Samir:
Its looks a death in all Pakistani’s familyRecommend
Big lost for all Pakistani and sub-continent.
Great person and legend in lofter.
Allah keep him in a cool place. Recommend
The person dies but the legend lives on..Recommend
may his soul rest in peace. huge lossRecommend
Inna-Lil-lahe-Wa-Inna-Elaihe-Rajeoon..May Almighty Allah forgive him and grant him place in Jannat. & May the grieved family be granted patience on this irreparable loss. Ameen Recommend
It is a great loss of Pakistan.Moin Akhtar was a man of great talent.I think we must offer our ‘dua’ to the departed soul. May Allah rest his soul in peace AmeenRecommend
Greatest Loss.. The world is lesser better now.. He will always live with us!! Great Gentleman!Recommend