Ali Akbar, originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been brightening up the streets of Paris for nearly five decades, persistently shouting his signature catchphrase, “Ça y est!” or “That’s it!” as he garners attention while navigating through the literary cafes and quaint boutiques of the St.-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. With his infectious smile, he conjures the spirit of a bygone era — one where hawking newspapers thrived. Over the years, he has often added a humorous twist to his sales, spinning tales that surprisingly resonate with the city's denizens. Recently he quipped, “Ça y est! The war is over, Putin asks forgiveness!” — a statement that humorously juxtaposed absurdity with harsh realities.
From hallowed spots like the Café de Flore to the Brasserie Lipp, iconic venues where culinary culture thrives, Akbar remains a stalwart of a profession that seems to be dwindling into obscurity. He stands as a testament to the relevance of old-school newspaper vendors in a time where digital media has taken center stage.
Reflecting on the glory days of newspaper selling in Paris, one is reminded of the classic 1960 film “Breathless”, where Jean Seberg famously appeared with a stack of newspapers. Yet, in contrast to that cinematic nostalgia, only Akbar seems to embody the traditional essence of newspaper hawking.
Despite the decline of the printed word and the rise of online news consumption, Ali Akbar’s persistence illuminates a unique facet of Parisian culture — giving life to a profession that is truly on the brink of extinction.
