They say never judge a book by its cover. But who could resist an OUP-published Urdu book featuring the legendary comedian, host and actor Moin Akhtar, with a preface by the iconic orator and actor Zia Mohyeddin, and a foreword by none other than Anwar Maqsood the renowned humorist, host and Moin Akhtar`s long-time collaborator? Written mostly by Moin Akhtar himself (1950-2011), the book has been published over 13 years after his passing, with the reason for the delay revealed in the chapters written by his siblings and children, before the beginning of the main narrative.

It is an autobiography, a memoir, a tribute and a celebration of Moin Akhtar`s unparalleled legacy all at once. Zia Mohyeddin`s foreword transports you to the Moin Akhtar of the 1970s, a rising talent striving to make his mark, while Anwar Maqsood`s preface encapsulates the Moin we all know and admire. The first 35-odd pages are profoundly moving, filled with heartfelt notes from Moin Akhtar`s closest sure to bring tears to one`s eyes.

It is best to take a break after reading the early tributes by his children and siblings, before diving into Moin Akhtar`s own words because, like me, you`ll likely find yourself wiping your reading glasses more often than actually focusing on the text.

The next section, comprising five chapters by Moin, offers a glimpse into Moin Akhtar`s earliest days delving into the days before fame found him from his birth and childhood to his running away as a kid to Lahore, his entry into showbiz and his family life. He keeps it concise, much like his compering, hinting at something much bigger in store for the readers.

The eight following sections focus on the people closest to Moin Akhtar, and his writing feels just like you are listening to him captivating, effortless, and unmistakably his own. A prologue preceding each chapter offers a brief introduction to the person to whom the chapter is dedicated, while also covering the events of the 13 years that followed after Moin Akhtar passed away.

The first of the eight following sections recounts his encounters with film actors, the second focuses on TV stars and the third and fourth highlight his experiences with singers. The fifth section delves into the writers and directors he collaborated with, while the sixth explores his interactions with Bollywood legends. The next two chapters focus on political leaders and various other notable personalities.

With each chapter, readers not only gain insight into the figures being discussed but also get to know Moin Akhtar on a deeper level.

His heartfelt tributes to his seniors, fond recollections of colleagues, and deep admiration for renowned figures beautifully reflect his character and nature.

Those who grew up in the 1960s and `70s and witnessed Moin Akhtar`s rise will find themselves transported back in time, while those who have always known him as an incomparable artist will uncover the journey behind the icon, gaining a deeper appreciation for the man, his struggles, his evolution, and the brilliance that defined him.

The way Moin Akhtar wrote his chapters, it felt as if I were on a call with the legendary actor, listening to him explain each element from the other end. As for Moin himself, he never had a `love at first sight` experience with PTV, as he was fearful of the new medium. He was, in fact, rejected at his first TV audition but was later facilitated to return to PT V by a lady he met while visiting a friend in a hospital. The good thing about him was that he always respected his seniors and the tone he has used for his juniors, surely made him a favourite of all.

Whether it was ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan`s encounter with the evergreen Lata Mangeshkar, his bond with pop singer-turned preacher Junaid Jamshed, his friendship with the legendary singer Ahmed Rushdi, or the way he playfully pestered the still young Ali Haider, each story highlights Moin Akhtar`s deep connections, profound respect for talent and those who possessed it.

I also wanted to know more about Moin Akhtar`s relationship with Bollywood stars and the story behind the iconic `Yeh PTV Award hai` segment in 1986, as well as how he ended up playing a `lady principal` in place of a female actor. His recounting of the moment he bowled Parveen Babi out with his Gujarati, and his first meeting with Khilarri Akshay Kumar who had plagiarised his `Yeh PTV Award hai` line as `Yeh Zee TV Award hai` would leave you both amused and nostalgic. These moments, along with countless others, paint a vibrant picture of an era filled with wit, charm and unforgettable encounters.

We come to know how his playful banter with a TV producer cost him 700 rupees, and the way late actor Jamshed Ansari helped him unconditionally in the very early days of his career. Interestingly, he also attended actor Talat Hussain`s valima on the same day as his own. The book is filled with such anecdotes, bringing the Karachi of the 1970s to `80s vividly to life.

The most captivating chapters are those on actors Muhammad Ali and Dilip Kumar, as Moin`s deep bond with these legendary thespians will surely warm your heart. He never had the chance to meet Dev Anand who he also dedicates a chapter to, but it would be interesting to know that Anand liked Moin a lot and praised his work on the phone. Actor Mithun Chakraborty once refused to do a show without Moin as the host, and `khamosh` actor Shatrughan Sinha became a supplier of Moin Akhtar`s audio cassettes in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Moin only worked in a handful of films, but he foresaw Javed Sheikh`s rise to stardom even when the latter was still struggling. He consoled the disheartened singer Mujeeb Alam upon his return from Lahore, and was quite close to comedian Lehri, who he admired a lot.

Not to forget his friendship with Anwar Maqsood and his `rivalry` with actor and comedienne Bushra Ansari all these moments are among the many highlights of a long overdue book. He has also shared amusing incidents involving comedians Umer Sharif, Rangeela and Nanna, which many would find interesting.

Although TV artists are often afraid of rulers, Moin never had such a problem. A darling of Gen Pervez Musharraf, he also had a few altercations with Gen Ziaul Haq, mentioned in the book. He once escaped punishment when he copied Ziaul Haq in the early days of the latter`s dictatorship. Moin`s family had once remained a guest of former Muttaheda Qaumi Movement leader Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan`s father in the early days of his life and, in that way, he enjoyed a `big brother` status with the former governor. Moin also praises Mustafa Kamal, the former mayor of Karachi, for his efforts in revitalising the city`s appearance.

Now and then, he also mentions the unsung heroes be it a producer who spent nearly 60 years in radio, or a set designer friend, Moin never shies away from complimenting them in the book.

Moin Akhtar, whose name means `a helpful star`, truly lived up to his name. This book is the man`s gratitude and unwavering loyalty to his mentors and friends. It is a true testament to his character as a legendary host, comedian and performer.

The reviewer writes on old films and music and loves reading books. X: @suhaybalavi