Legendary Zia Mohyeddin passes away aged 91

Pakistan woke up to the news that the Greatest Narrator of Urdu Literature is no more!

Urdu lost one of its greatest voices. Reciting Faiz and Ghalib’s kalams, Insha and Yousafi’s humour won’t be the same.

Legendary Zia Mohyeddin breathed his last at 6:30 am today in Karachi.

His funeral prayers will be offered after Zuhr at Imambargah Yasrab in Karachi’s Defence Phase IV.

Internationally renowned artist and President Emeritus of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), Zia Mohyeddin, has been ill and was put on life support at a hospital in the city.

Born in Faisalabad on June 20, 1931, Mohyeddin has been known for his excellent compering, broadcasting, poetry and prose recitation and acting and theatre direction.

The British-Pakistani national had mentored hundreds of students.

He graduated from Government College, Lahore and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

 On his return to Pakistan, he produced, directed, and acted in numerous plays.

Mohyeddin was the first Pakistani ever to work in Hollywood.

His most memorable works include the Lawrence of Arabia with director David Lean, Behold the Pale Horse in 1964 with director Fred Zinnemann, and Immaculate Conception in 1992 with director Jamil Dehlavi.

He was also known for his extensive work in British television.

However, his launch as lead in Lollywood’s Mujrim Kaun in 1970 did not end up being successful, despite a good story and soundtrack.

In 1970, he presented the now legendary Zia Mohyeddin Show on PTV.

Later, he accepted the post of director at the PIA Arts Academy.

In 2005, Mohyeddin set up the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) in Karachi.

Mohyeddin was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honour in Pakistan, in 2012 for his contribution to the field of art.