Legendary artist and showman Zia Mohyeddin passes away at 92

Known as a legend in his lifetime, famed thespian Zia Mohyeddin breathed his last in Karachi at 92, reported Geo News.

Earlier, sources from National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) had said Mohyeddin had been admitted to the intensive-care unit of a hospital.

Mohyeddin, the founder and chief executive of the NAPA, was elevated as its president emeritus last year.

The funeral prayers for the late thespian was offered today at Imambargah Yasrab in Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Phase 4 after Zuhr. He was later laid to rest at a graveyard in DHA's Phase 8.

Known for his excellent compering, broadcasting, poetry and prose recitation and acting and theatre direction, the late British-Pakistani had mentored hundreds of students.

Born in Faisalabad on June 20, 1931, Mohyeddin graduated from Government College, Lahore. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and on his return to Pakistan, he produced, directed, and acted in numerous plays.

In 1962, he played a memorable role in the movie Lawrence of Arabia with director David Lean, followed by Behold the Pale Horse in 1964 with director Fred Zinnemann, and later in Immaculate Conception in 1992 with director Jamil Dehlavi.

While the late actor was known for his extensive work in British television, 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 came to Pakistan and 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 NAPA in Karachi. In 2012, he was honoured with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for art.

He is also the author of three books: A Carrot is a Carrot, Theatrics and The God of My Idolatry Memories and Reflections.

Condolences 

People from all walks of life expressed grief as soon as news of Mohyeddin's passing spread, with people calling it the end of an era.

President Dr Arif Alvi called the actor's death a "personal loss". 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, said Mohyeddin's unique style earned fame all over the world, including Pakistan.

"Mohyeddin introduced a new dimension to television hosting in Pakistan," the premier said, adding that Mohyeddin earned a good name for the country. He praised Mohyeddin's role in training budding artists in his capacity as NAPA's president.

Paying tribute to his services, PM Shehbaz said Mohyeddin's voice will continue to resonate in our minds.

Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also sent her heartfelt condolences to the late thespian’s family.

In her condolence message, Climate Change Minister Senator Sherry Rehman called Mohyeddin "a true renaissance man" for his mastery and connoisseurship on a range of cultural trends that made him inimitable.

Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Punjab's caretaker chief minister, along with his family, expressed grief on the sad news of Mohyeddin’s passing. He told Geo News that Mohyeddin was a versatile artist as he sent his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.

Former prime minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Mohyeddin and shared that he knew the legendary icon for decades. 

"He was a highly cultured person, extremely well read, esp[ecially] in Urdu literature and an institution in the world of entertainment. He will be missed. My condolences & prayers go to his family," Khan tweeted.

Actor Adnan Siddiqui said that as we mourn the loss of Mohyeddin, we are reminded of the immense impact he has had on our cultural landscape.