Akhtar as he is popularly known is a Punj to the core. One fondly remembers his dairy farming CP in EAP II that left Jupta ji flabbergasted, and led to the unionisation of cattle in the nearby Kaira district. He claims to have been the earliest adopter of gobar gas in his village. A man with a very big heart and still bigger voice, which stands him in good stead during dorm fights, Akhtar will give you everything including expert coaching at carroms. "What if I cannot distinguish between a striker and a coin as long as I have my concepts right". He says in his Punjabi English. This has earned him in the famous title of Akhtar Ali.