Master thespian, broadcaster, author, orator and legend, Zia Mohyeddin passed away earlier today in Karachi. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in the metropolis. According to his family, Mohyeddin was on life support and passed away at 6:30am. His funeral prayers will be held at Masjid o Yasrab at Zuhr. He was 91.
Born on June 20, 1931, in Lyallpur – modern-day Faisalabad – Mohyeddin spent his early life in Kasur and Lahore. After receiving his training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London from 1953 to 1956, he made his film debut with Lawrence of Arabia in 1962. The film saw him as Tafas – the Arab guide who is shot by Omar Sharif for drinking water from the wrong well.
He continued to work as an actor in the United Kingdom with films like Behold the Pale Horse (1964) and Immaculate Conception (1992). Upon his return to Pakistan in the late ‘60s, Mohyeddin starred in Mujrim Kon (1970), which marked his local big screen debut. He went on to produce some timeless pieces of programming for PTV, and hosted the hugely popular television talk show, The Zia Mohyeddin Show.
Later, he was appointed Director of the PIA Arts Academy in 1973, a role he held until 1977.
Due to heavy censorship during General Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship, Mohyeddin returned to the UK in the late 70s. Refusing to slow down, he produced Central Television's (now ITV Central’s) flagship multicultural programme, Here and Now – a weekly magazine series highlighting the culture and lifestyle of various minority communities. The programme ran from 1986 to 1989.
The thespian and actor also travelled the world as a compere, offering Urdu poetry and prose recitations. He had garnered a reputation for being the most fluent and forward reciter of Urdu literature.
In February 2005, then President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf invited Mohyeddin to form the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi. He spearheaded and became President Emeritus of the academy, taking on the great responsibility of training the future theatre performers of Pakistan.
He was also conferred with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2003 and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2012. Mohyeddin was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on November 29, 2017, in United Arab Emirates.
Chairman NAPA, Syed Jawaid Iqbal, in a statement, shared, "It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) announces the passing of the President Emeritus of NAPA Zia Mohyeddin, an icon, a trailblazer and thespian par excellence."
He added, "A brilliant teacher who mentored and trained numerous students of theatre, he was a committed professional and set the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity. His loss will be deeply felt by his students, colleagues, admirers and friends across the globe." The statement concluded with, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and the entire NAPA fraternity, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Azra and his children Minos, Risha, Hassan and Aaliya."
Many have since taken to social media to mourn his demise
A legend, Zia Mohyeddin passed away this morning. Huge loss #ZiaMohyeddin pic.twitter.com/QZSRYSC2wX
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) February 13, 2023
Distinguished Zia Mohyeddin-Pakistan's iconic talent, Intl star is no more with us. Had the privilege of working with him.Truly an inspiration in hosting. He was a great host,actor, director, producer & voice over artist.
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) February 13, 2023
May ALLAH bless his soul & give sabr to Azra Bhabi. Ameen pic.twitter.com/cxe7ZHvb4o
My teacher... My mentor is no more... May Allah have mercy on him. Sir Zia Mohyeddin, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/TNKds9cMiX
— Ovais Mangalwala (@ovaismangalwala) February 13, 2023
What a loss. What an incredible loss. A permeating sense of loss is suffocating me.
— Ifrahim Caan (@ASIfrahim777) February 13, 2023
Broken.
In mourning.
😭#ZiaMohyeddin #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/tK1DRKKLRW
Internationally renowned artist #ZiaMohyeddin sb passed away today early morning in Karachi, Geo reports. He was 91. The end of an era. https://t.co/0BdQaquoBx
— Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) February 13, 2023
One of the finest actors, a man who elevated #Padhant to an art form passed away today. Farewell #ZiaMohyeddin Saheb You were an inspiration 💔💐 pic.twitter.com/OK6tDjiH8x
— Danish Husain । دانش حُسین । दानिश हुसैन (@DanHusain) February 13, 2023
Consider myself fortunate to have this live recording of the great #ZiaMohyeddin sb during a reading session from four years ago at the 2019 Karachi Literature Festival. May his soul rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/X6h8oOC9pb
— Umer Bin Ajmal (@umerbinajmal) February 13, 2023
Zia Mohyeddin is no more a British-Pakistani actor, producer, director and television broadcaster who has appeared in both Pakistani cinema & TV
— Shahab Zuberi (@zuberishahab) February 13, 2023
Born: 20 June 1931 (age 91); Lyallpur, British India
A legend in his own right
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/V3p8y2dqrD
What a terrible news to start the day with. Zia Mohyeddin passes away at 91. What a legend, what a loss!
— fmt (@favhomeboy) February 13, 2023
End of an era as curtains draw on a stellar innings - rest in power, #ZiaMohyeddin sahab.#Pakistan
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) February 13, 2023
Zia Mohyeddin, a great writer, actor, director and intellectual passed away pic.twitter.com/j5HOT6wNUf
— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) February 13, 2023
Zia Mohyeddin, a great writer, actor, director and intellectual passed away pic.twitter.com/j5HOT6wNUf
— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) February 13, 2023
A great writer, actor, director, narrator, TV host, broadcaster and intellectual - Zia Mohyeddin passed away.
— Hassan Butt (@IHassanButt) February 13, 2023
Another gem lost.#RIP #ZiaMohyeddin
pic.twitter.com/FobEwlSknZ
With deepest sorrow I bear the news that our mentor, one of the greatest artists and orator, and proud recipient of GCU’s LifeTime Achievement Award, Mr Zia Mohyeddin passed away this morning at 6.15 am. We offer heartfelt condolences to all his family & friends.@gcuniversitylhr pic.twitter.com/FmF2U1FuEp
— Asghar Zaidi (@zaidia) February 13, 2023
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ