Pakistan mourns the demise of Zia Mohyeddin Sahab, an icon of art, literature & culture
Revered actor, writer, director, producer, broadcaster, and linguist Zia Mohyeddin passed away in Karachi
Pakistan mourns the demise of Zia Mohyeddin Sahab, an icon of art, literature, and culture.
Internationally renowned artist and President Emeritus of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), Zia Mohyeddin passed away in Karachi on Feb 13 aged 91.
In his lifetime, Zia Mohyeddin taught, inspired, and introduced a generation of artists, performers, and future creatives to the world.
Today Urdu lost one of its greatest voices. And from now on reciting Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Mirza Ghalib’s kalams, Insha and Yousafi’s humour won’t be the same.
Zia adapted the discipline of the Western genre of reading to Urdu prose and poetry.
Through Zia’s distinctive reading style, the youth were introduced to poets and authors like Ghalib, Faiz, Noon Meem Rashid, Ibn e Insha, Patras Bokhari, and English writers like Shakespeare.
In 2005, then-President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf invited Zia Mohyeddin to form the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) in Karachi, of which he had been President since its inception and was active in directing theatre plays.
He was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence).
He also authored three books; A Carrot is a Carrot, Theatrics, and The God of My Idolatry Memories and Reflections.
In the past three decades, Zia Mohyeddin personified the best that Pakistan has produced in theatre, whether in the fields of acting, directing, or recitation.
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Read more: Sania Saeed pens an emotional tribute for Zia Mohyeddin
As the world of arts and literature bids farewell to a maestro – Zia Mohyeddin, tributes and condolences continue to pour on the Twitter timeline.
One day a worried Zia came to me in the 90’s & told me that he is under stress when asked why? he said I know Shakespeare from cover to cover but now I tend to forget. A giant indeed. May Allah give strength to the world of arts, Azra his wife, family & children to bear this loss
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 13, 2023
ضیاء صاحب کی شخصیت کمال خصوصیات کی حامل تھی۔تھیٹر، براڈکاسٹنگ اور فنِ تقریر میں اپنی بےمثال مہارت اور آواز کے جادو سےانہوں نےنصف صدی سےزائد عرصہ تک لوگوں کو مسحور کئےرکھا۔ان کے زیر تربیت رہنے والے سینکڑوں طلباء ان کی میراث کو زندہ رکھیں گے۔ اللہ تعالی ان کے درجات بلند کریں۔ آمین pic.twitter.com/CSJCEu2789
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 13, 2023
Saddened to learn of the passing of Zia Mohyeddin. I knew him for decades. He was a highly cultured person, extremely well read esp in Urdu literature and an institution in the world of entertainment. He will be missed. My condolences & prayers go to his family.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 13, 2023
The passing of Zia Mohyeddin is a great loss for Pakistan. For decades he was Pakistans undisputed master of the performing arts. His voice and his passion will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family, and friends.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) 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
Very sorry to hear of literary icon Zia Mohiyuddin’s passing. He was a true renaissance man for his mastery & connoisseurship on a range of cultural trends that made him inimitable. Most of all, his hypnotic voice took many generations from radio to tv. May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/UXtJglUg1N
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) February 13, 2023
I took this photo of Zia sb during rehearsals for King Lear. He was approaching his 90th birthday—and teaching.
— Mira Sethi (@sethimirajee) February 13, 2023
Learnt so much from him. I have a sneaky suspicion he lived as long as he did because he adored what he did.
Rest in peace, Zia sb. ❤️🩹
Zia Mohyeddin (1931–2023) pic.twitter.com/huKgp71bLV
It’s with great sadness & sorrow that I announce my grand uncle, the Great Legendary Zia Mohyeddin passing on. Zia sb died at 6:15 am after a brief illness. Please remember him in your prayers. Inna lillah hai wainna alaihay rajeoon. He has left a huge void…🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/c5x7Dt1tH8
— salman ahmad (@sufisal) February 13, 2023
The world of arts bids farewell to a maestro – Zia Mohyeddin—broadcasting legend, poetic virtuoso, actor, and theatre director. As we celebrate his life and legacy, and mourn his loss, we are reminded of the immense impact he has had on our cultural landscape. #ZiaMohyeddin pic.twitter.com/HxL3wbNkto
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) February 13, 2023
Lost a great.. Rest in peace Sir.
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) February 13, 2023
Thank you for the innumerable ways you have been of service to the arts of this country.
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ#ZiaMohyeddin 🕊️♥️ pic.twitter.com/BljyJrjnK5
Pulled this out of my archives. Zia Mohyeddin saheb asked for this pic to be clicked on a Defence Day function where we were both present. He & his unparalleled legacy will be missed #ZiaMohyeddin pic.twitter.com/3J5FcMzJrC
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) February 13, 2023
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
An icon and an institution, #ZiaMohyeddin was a beacon of light, from film, TV, and theater to literature and poetry, his contributions cannot be contained in words. Today Pakistan has lost one of its most prolific oratory voices, RIP Sir pic.twitter.com/2Hv2Dr7a4v
— Dr. Shaista Lodhi (@IamShaistaLodhi) February 13, 2023
