TO me all public performers in all departments of life deserve our unqualified admiration. To say the least, they make us smile and be happy — they are at the giving end of life. My friend Moin Akhtar was one of them, but the purpose of penning these few words is something that surprised me in my relationship with him.

One day he rang me up to say that a former artist was in hospital and needs financial help. All I said was that I will consider it a privilege to help. Later such concern for a few artists was conveyed to me. All I did was to respond. I only gave him money, the easiest thing to do but he knew better how to make money relieve pain and suffering and that is how I remember my friend.

Not only he made us laugh but in the process also made us cry for his laughter was purposeful. To me he has earned a one-way ticket to Heaven.

AN ADMIRING FRIEND Karachi

An award in his name

AN artist of great caliber, Moin was also an active social worker. Conscious of cultural sensitivities, he was never vulgar or linguistically biased. Whenever he went abroad, he behaved as an ambassador of Pakistan.

I would strongly suggest that an award should be established after him. Say a ‘Moin Akhtar Award’ can be given to a needy and sick artist every year. This is the best way of paying him tribute.

MUHAMMAD ARIF BUTT Karachi

Down-to-earth attitude

MOIN Akhtar, who died on April 22, was a great comedy actor and was decorated with Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the government in recognition of his performance in various fields of showbiz and arts.

He rose to fame after his performance in the long play ‘Rozy’ in which he played the role of a woman TV artist. This drama was remake of Hollywood film ‘Tootsie’ starring Dustin Hoffman. However, Moin Akhtar surpassed Hoffman and gathered critical acclaim around the country. Moin was a decent person, with humble and down-to-earth attitude, always respected seniors and guided juniors.

A learned man, he spoke fluently almost all languages of Pakistan. His sense of humour was loved by all. From laymen to intellectuals all liked his comedy. He never went vulgar in his comedy, a hallmark only a few could achieve. Moin was blessed with various qualities. From singing to acting, directing, producing, playwriting, he excelled in all fields.

He has left this mortal world but he will remain alive in the memories of fun lovers and admirers of arts.

In the words of Firaq Gorkhpuri: Shehr mayn ik chiragh tha nah rha, Aik roshan demagh tha, nah rha………! IFTIKHAR SHAHEEN MIRZA Islamabad