Legend Zia Mohyeddin is no more

KARACHI: Renowned actor, broadcaster, producer and head of the National Academy of Performing Arts Zia Mohyeddin passed away in Karachi on Monday after a protracted illness. He was 91.

Mohyeddin was a legend in the field of compering, broadcasting, recitation of poetry and prose, acting and direction.

Born in Faisalabad on June 20, 1931, he graduated from Government College, Lahore.

Mohyeddin was recently admitted to the intensive-care unit of a private hospital, as per family’s sources.

He was the chief executive and founder of the National Academy of Performing Arts, and was elevated as its president emeritus last year.

The demise of a legendary showman prompted civil, political dignitaries across the divide to express condolences and pay tribute to the unparalleled services of the South Asian literary icon, whose loss has been regarded as humungous and heart-wrenching, said the national news agency.

Mohyeddin received his theatrical education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, considered one of the leading institutions for actors, in the early 1950s.

He rose to the international prominence for his role as Tafas in the 1962 classic “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Directed by David Lean and starring Peter O’Toole, the film was a critical and commercial success, and Mohyeddin’s portrayal of an Arab guide won him accolades and fans around the world.

The film remains a classic and testament to Mohyeddin’s talent as an actor.

He also worked with Fred Zinnemann in the 1964’s film “Behold the Pale Horse” and Jamil Dehlavi in the 1992 film “Immaculate Conception”.

Beyond his work in movies, Mohyeddin was a prolific performer in other media as well.

He was a noted stage actor, appearing in numerous productions in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. He returned to Pakistan in the late 1960s and hosted an immensely popular TV talk show, “The Zia Mohyeddin Show” (1969-73), on Pakistan Television.

Known as one of the world’s foremost reciters of Urdu prose and poetry, Mohyeddin was also a regular broadcaster on radio and television.

His work in these mediums further cemented his place as one of Pakistan’s greatest cultural ambassador.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, the then president Asif Ali Zardari conferred Mohyeddin with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honour in 2012.