Karachi (Web Desk): Renowned actor, broadcaster, orator, producer and president of of National Academy of performing art (NAPA) Zia Mohyeddin passed away in Karachi on Monday after protracted illness. He was 91.
Born in Faisalabad, on June 20, 1931, he graduated from Government College, Lahore.
Known for his excellent comparing, broadcasting, poetry and prose recitation, acting and theatre direction, he mentored hundreds of students.
He appeared on both Pakistani cinema and television as well as on British cinema and television throughout his career. Mohyeddin was also the first Pakistani ever to work in Hollywood.
The legendary artist also authored three books namely A Carrot is a Carrot, Theatrics and The God of My Idolatry Memories and Reflections.
Zia Mohyeddin was conferred with Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2003 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2012. He was presented with Lifetime Achievement Award on 29 November 2017 by the Pakistani community living in Dubai and given by the Pakistan Ambassador in United Arab Emirates.
The funeral prayers will be offered in Karachi today after Zuhr prayer.
Condolences
In a post on Twitter, President Dr Arif Alvi said Zia Mohyeddin’s death was a “personal loss” to him.
“He was a giant in the arts, an actor, producer, director and above all an excellent reciter of prose and poetry accompanied by music typically prompting with a pause,” the president said.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of renowned artist.
In a statement on Monday, the premier said that Zia Mohyeddin's unique style earned fame all over the world including Pakistan.
He said Zia Mohyeddin introduced a new dimension to television hosting in Pakistan and that he earned a good name for the country by acting at international level.
PM Shehbaz said that being the NAPA president, Zia Mohyeddin played an outstanding role in training budding artistes.
Paying tributes to his services, Shehbaz Sharif said Zia Mohyeddin's voice will continue to resonate in our minds.
Commiserating with the bereaved family, the prime minister prayed for the departed soul.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of veteran actor, director and host Zia Mohyeddin. Commiserating with the bereaved family, she prayed for the departed soul.
"Zia Mohyeddin was a literary figure whose style of reading and speaking gained fame worldwide," the minister said.
She said that the services of Zia Mohyeddin for the showbiz industry will always be remembered.