Ali Akbar, 72, has been hawking newspapers in the streets of Paris for more than a half-century. Among the literary cafes and boutiques of the St.-Germain-des-Prés quartier, he wanders with an infectious smile, his trademark cry of “Ça y est!” echoing against cobblestones. Hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar is often known for lacing his sales pitches with humor. “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!” he quipped recently, exemplifying his flair for engaging his audience.
From Café de Flore to Brasserie Lipp, two of Paris's cultural landmarks, Mr. Akbar continues to navigate a dwindling trade in an increasingly digital landscape. He has garnered a reputation as the last of his kind in a profession that once flourished, peaking in the 1960s, when cinema captured that vibrant marketplace. The profession's decline is starkly illustrated by the iconic imagery of Jean Seberg in “Breathless,” representing a past era where newspaper hawkers played an integral role in the city’s life.
In a time where print media faces overwhelming competition from digital formats, Akbar remains steadfast, keeping alive a piece of Parisian history. As Parisians rush past, Akbar's passion for his craft shines brightly through his playful interactions and deep community ties, ensuring that he is a cherished icon amidst the changing tides of modern media.
From Café de Flore to Brasserie Lipp, two of Paris's cultural landmarks, Mr. Akbar continues to navigate a dwindling trade in an increasingly digital landscape. He has garnered a reputation as the last of his kind in a profession that once flourished, peaking in the 1960s, when cinema captured that vibrant marketplace. The profession's decline is starkly illustrated by the iconic imagery of Jean Seberg in “Breathless,” representing a past era where newspaper hawkers played an integral role in the city’s life.
In a time where print media faces overwhelming competition from digital formats, Akbar remains steadfast, keeping alive a piece of Parisian history. As Parisians rush past, Akbar's passion for his craft shines brightly through his playful interactions and deep community ties, ensuring that he is a cherished icon amidst the changing tides of modern media.
