Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old newspaper seller from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has become a beloved fixture in the streets of Paris, captivating locals and tourists alike since he began his career in 1974. Roaming around the picturesque St.-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, Akbar's signature shout of “Ça y est!” (“That’s it!”) resonates through Paris' charming cobblestone lanes, where he sells newspapers with both humor and warmth.
Despite the decline of print media, Akbar’s charisma has attracted not only passersby but also notable personalities and even presidents. He often enhances his pitches with whimsical, fabricated headlines, such as, “Ça y est! The war is over; Putin asks forgiveness!” bringing laughter to his bustling audiences while injecting joy into the traditional trade.
Once a thriving profession in Paris, Akbar's trade is dwindling, marking him as possibly the last newspaper hawker in France. The legacy of newspaper selling hit its peak in the 1960s, a time celebrated by the iconic film “Breathless,” where Jean Seberg famously sold the “New York Herald Tribune.” However, today, it's a remarkable rarity to witness anyone selling papers on the street.
Ali Akbar continues to navigate the evolving landscape of communication, steadfastly offering news with his signature flair, encapsulating a piece of Parisian culture that is slowly fading away. As he sets up near renowned establishments like the Café de Flore and the Brasserie Lipp, he remains a testament to resilience, community connection, and the spirit of the streets.
Despite the decline of print media, Akbar’s charisma has attracted not only passersby but also notable personalities and even presidents. He often enhances his pitches with whimsical, fabricated headlines, such as, “Ça y est! The war is over; Putin asks forgiveness!” bringing laughter to his bustling audiences while injecting joy into the traditional trade.
Once a thriving profession in Paris, Akbar's trade is dwindling, marking him as possibly the last newspaper hawker in France. The legacy of newspaper selling hit its peak in the 1960s, a time celebrated by the iconic film “Breathless,” where Jean Seberg famously sold the “New York Herald Tribune.” However, today, it's a remarkable rarity to witness anyone selling papers on the street.
Ali Akbar continues to navigate the evolving landscape of communication, steadfastly offering news with his signature flair, encapsulating a piece of Parisian culture that is slowly fading away. As he sets up near renowned establishments like the Café de Flore and the Brasserie Lipp, he remains a testament to resilience, community connection, and the spirit of the streets.
