Karachi: The legendary British-Pakistani thespian, Zia Mohyeddin, passed away at the age of 91 in Karachi. The sources from NAPA confirmed that the late actor had been admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit before his death.
Mohyeddin was a well-known figure in the performing arts community, having served as the President Emeritus of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi. He was widely renowned for his exceptional skills in compering, broadcasting, poetry and prose recitation, acting, and theatre direction. Throughout his career, Mohyeddin mentored hundreds of aspiring artists and actors.
Born in Faisalabad on June 20, 1931, Mohyeddin graduated from Government College, Lahore, and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Upon his return to Pakistan, he made a significant impact in the performing arts industry, producing, directing, and acting in several plays.
Mohyeddin made his mark in British television, with memorable roles in the movies “Lawrence of Arabia” in 1962, “Behold the Pale Horse” in 1964, and “Immaculate Conception” in 1992. However, his launch as a lead in the Lollywood film “Mujrim Kaun” in 1970 was not as successful, despite its good storyline and soundtrack.
In 1970, Mohyeddin moved to Pakistan and presented the famous “Zia Mohyeddin Show” on PTV. He later took up the position of Director at the PIA Arts Academy. In 2005, he established the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi.
In 2012, Mohyeddin was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for Art (Acting/Comparing) in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts industry. He is also the author of three books, including “A Carrot is a Carrot,” “Theatrics,” and “The God of My Idolatry Memories and Reflections.”
The funeral prayers for the late thespian will be offered on Monday, February 13, 2023, in Defence Phase 8 at Imam Bargah Yasrab after Zuhr. The passing of Zia Mohyeddin marks the end of an era in the performing arts industry and he will always be remembered as a legend in his lifetime.
