When we are infants, we know very few things, understand even fewer, and recognize even less. One of the first things I had learnt in life, was that Moin Akhtar was an obelisk of quality comedy. I knew that as an infant.
For the longest time, it seemed that he was the only seal of comedy on any given show and without him, very little laughter was to be expected. Over time with Guest-House, Tanhaiyan, Angan Tera and Unkahi that perception was altered, but without a casting the slightest of shadow on what Moin Akhtar represented.
Not only was he the greatest quality comedian of our country, he was the greatest quality comedian of our time. And yet, his list of talents only begins here. He was an actor a presenter, a singer, a humanitarian and much much more. But, forgive me for being so naive, but for me, he was always this, a quality comedian. I'd go as far as calling him the Last Quality Comedian, only to be contested by Anwar Maqsood himself, but then Anwar has never prized himself on acting and has always been a white wizard, sorry, THE white wizard of wordplay.
Quality Comedy is keeping it clean, without resorting to dirty jokes. Anyone can be funny with cheap shots, but keeping it decent and funny is the real talent. Anyone can be funny while passing comments (read juggats) on known personalities, but it is keeping it original and situational that defines the solid foundation of comedy. Unfortunately, with the Passing of Moin Akhtar, that art is also put to rest.
Supernova is when a star completes its life and dies a vibrant death. And Moin Akhtar was a Star supporting many galaxies. Moin Akhtar was no person, he was a living-breathing landmark and he will always continue to be that landmark situated in the capital of our hearts, now and always.
Rest in Peace, Moin Akhtar. You were the Greatest and the Last of your kind.
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