Zia Mohyeddin was a renowned Pakistani actor, director, writer, and broadcaster who had a career spanning over six decades. He is known for his work in both the cinema and television of Pakistan, as well as the BBC and other international stations.
Born in 1934, Zia Mohyeddin was the son of an aristocrat and grew up surrounded by books and culture. He was educated at Government College University, Lahore.This was followed by a spell of acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He made his West End debut in A Passage to India from 20 April to 3 December 1960 at the Comedy Theatre, running for 302 performances, following stage appearances in Long Day’s Journey into Night and Julius Caesar.His cinematic debut was with Lawrence of Arabia in 1962.
Later, he produced numerous classic shows for PTV and served as presenter of the extremely successful chat show The Zia Mohyeddin Show.
Mohyeddin was invited by Pervez Musharraf, who was the president of Pakistan at the time, to establish the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi in February 2005. He founded the institution, and later retired as its President Emeritus.
Additionally, in 2003 and 2012, he received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz awards. On November 29, 2017, Mohyeddin received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Arab Emirates.
He will forever be celebrated for his contribution to Literature, both Urdu and English – known for his exceptional oratory and acting skills and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances. Some of his most famous works include:
Dr. Who (1971)
The Day of the Jackal (1973)
One Thousand and One Nights (1973)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984)
His contribution to the cultural heritage of Pakistan and the world at large is unforgettable, and he remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors and performers.
We give you some of his choicest works to remember him by. These gems will live on for generations, especially for lovers of Urdu & English poetry & literature. They might also help inspire many to appreciate and pursue the Arts once again with its many endearing renditions.
Here Zia Mohyeddin regales the lighter side of marriage, husbands, wives and a witty take on relationships!
Zia Mohyeddin’s rendition of Zindagi Se Darte Ho is timeless & testament to his brilliant oratory skills. A very memorable and poignant take on the reflections of men & women, and the times that guide our fears in perhaps, every generation, ending on a thoughtful note – Zindagi Se Darte Ho.
He was equally adept in delivering a perfect English narrative. And here he takes on the English pronounciation, the bane of many new and seasoned English speakers with a wit that is signature Mohyeddin!
This one is a short yet amusing take on the creation of women that will leave you smiling.
And for the true Urdu lover in you, Chacha Chakkan will always have a special place in our hearts. Because, who could say it better, with all the comic punctuation in the right place, but the one and only – Zia Mohyeddin!
Whenever you feel you need a dose of spirituality, listen to poetry in motion, dialogues delivered with heart & soul, poignant wit and infectious humour, turn to these and many more performances that will teleport you into the evergreen and immortal world of books, poetry & literature that encapsulated the life and times of Zia Mohyeddin.
His contribution to the cultural heritage of Pakistan and the world at large is unforgettable, and he remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors and performers.
