Moin Akhtar, the renowned television, film and stage actor, died of a cardiac arrest in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi today, his manager said. He was 61.
Akhtar, who was also a playwright, singer, film director and producer, was suffering from heart problems. A versatile performer from Karachi, he made his television debut in September 1966 in a variety show on state-run PTV. He went on to perform roles in countless TV plays and shows. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed sorrow at the death of Akhtar, his office said.
Akhtar, who was born in December 1950, was awarded the Pride of Performance award and Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, by the government. He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters, his family said. Fluent in several languages, he was a favourite among family audiences as he avoided vulgarity in his humour. He had a following across the border in India too due to his performance in shows like Bakra Qiston Pe and Buddha Ghar Pe Hai.
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Gibson ends legal battle with ex-beau
London: Hollywood star Mel Gibson has decided to move on and has ended a legal battle with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
The 55-year-old star’s career and image took a dip after Grigorieva accused him of physically assaulting and hurling abuses on her by releasing a taped conversation, reported Contactmusic.
Gibson, who was dropped from Hangover movie while he was locked in a legal battle with his ex-lover, says he decided to end the fight for his family and children.
“I was allowed to end the case and still maintain my innocence. It’s called a West plea and it’s not something that prosecutors normally allow. But in my case, the prosecutors and the judge agreed that it was the right thing to do.
—PTI