In the heart of Paris's charming St.-Germain-des-Prés district, an endearing figure roams the streets, clutching a collection of newspapers and calling out “Ça y est!” or “That’s it!” in a way that instantly captures the attention of passersby. Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been a newspaper hawker since 1974, capturing the hearts of both locals and tourists alike with his infectious smile and wit.
Over the decades, Ali has weathered the shifts in media consumption, all the while enriching his newspapers with delightful anecdotes and even some whimsical fabrications. One memorable recent claim from his repertoire was, "Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!"—a statement that evoked both laughter and a dash of irony reflecting the times.
From iconic establishments like the Café de Flore to Brasserie Lipp, Ali navigates Paris with a unique charm that stands in stark contrast to the declining newspaper industry. He is celebrated as France's last newspaper hawker at a time when the profession, once flourishing in the post-war era, is fading fast.
Ali recalls the peak of this profession around the 1960s, reminiscing about the classic cinematic scene from Jean-Luc Godard's “Breathless,” where Jean Seberg famously clutched newspapers while strolling through the iconic Champs-Élysées—a far cry from the current digital age, where physical newspapers rarely find the same appreciation.
As he continues his endearing work, Ali Akbar not only dispenses news but also serves as a living connection to the rich tapestry of Paris's past, a poignant reminder of a timeless trade that resonates with warmth and community. His persistent spirit amidst a changing landscape holds onto the nostalgia of an era that many now look upon with fondness and reverence.
