The artistic community of Pakistan is mourning the loss of Zia Mohyeddin, an internationally renowned artist and President Emeritus of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), who passed away in Karachi on Monday morning. He was 91 years old.
According to his family, Mohyeddin was admitted to a hospital in Karachi where he was on life support. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he breathed his last at 6:30am on Monday.
Mohyeddin’s funeral prayers will be offered later today at Imambargah Yasrab in Karachi’s Defence Phase IV.
Zia Mohyeddin was a true legend in the world of broadcasting, poetry, prose recitation, acting, and theatre direction. He played an instrumental role in the establishment and growth of Napa, where he mentored hundreds of young students who are now working in the field of TV production.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mohyeddin appeared in both Pakistani and British cinema and television. He was also the first Pakistani ever to work in Hollywood, where he starred in iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Behold the Pale Horse.
Mohyeddin was a recipient of several awards, including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honour in Pakistan, which he received in 2012 for his contribution to the field of art. He was also an author and had published three books: A Carrot is a Carrot, Theatrics and The God of My Idolatry: Memories and Reflections.
His death has left a void in the Pakistani artistic community and he will always be remembered as a pioneer in his field and a mentor to many aspiring artists.
