Obituary: Zia Mohyeddin [1931 – 2023]

 

Pakistan has seen for many actors & singers but if we wish to find one person who was a master reciter of both Urdu and English prose and poem, this category has none besides Zia Mohyeddin.

Zia Mohyeddin was a master of many arts, known as an actor, director, producer, and radio personality, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and accomplished artists in the country. Born on June 20, 1933, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Zia Mohyeddin started his career as an actor in the early 1950s, and since then, he has acted in numerous plays, films, and television shows. He is also known for his work as a director, producer, and radio host, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the performing arts in Pakistan and beyond.

 

 

Early Life and Education

Zia Mohyeddin was born in Faisalabad, Pakistan, to a family of educators. His father, Dr. Shamsuddin Mohyeddin, was a renowned linguist and writer, and his mother, Begum Amina Muinuddin, was a social worker and educationist. Zia Mohyeddin was the youngest of four children, and from a young age, he showed a keen interest in the performing arts. He attended Government College Lahore, where he studied English literature and began acting in college productions.

Career as an Actor

Zia Mohyeddin began his acting career in the early 1950s, when he joined the theater company of the legendary actor and director, Nazir Ahmed. He acted in several plays under Nazir Ahmed’s direction, and soon gained a reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation. In 1956, he moved to England to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He graduated from RADA in 1959, and went on to act in numerous plays in England and Europe.

In 1960, Zia Mohyeddin returned to Pakistan, and soon became one of the most sought-after actors in the country. He acted in several plays, films, and television shows, and gained a reputation for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of characters. Some of his most memorable performances include his portrayal of Othello in the play of the same name, which he also directed, and his role as the villainous Sher Khan in the hit film, “Zarqa.”

Zia Mohyeddin’s acting career spanned several decades, and he continued to act in plays, films, and television shows well into his seventies. He also worked as a director and producer, and was involved in the production of several plays and films.

Career as a Director and Producer

Zia Mohyeddin’s work as a director and producer was as impressive as his work as an actor. He directed several plays, including his own productions of “Othello” and “Hamlet,” and produced several films and television shows. Some of his most notable productions include the film “Sangam,” which he produced and acted in, and the television show “Loose Talk,” which he produced and directed.

Zia Mohyeddin’s work as a director and producer was characterized by his attention to detail and his commitment to excellence. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in his actors and his crew, and for his ability to create works of art that were both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Career as a Radio Personality

Zia Mohyeddin’s work as a radio personality was as important as his work as an actor, director, and producer. He hosted several radio shows in Pakistan and England, including the popular BBC radio show, “London Calling Pakistan,” which he hosted for several years. He was also a regular contributor to the BBC World Service, where he hosted several programs on literature and the arts.

His legacy with recitations below will always be a treasure of us.

 

Download Zia Mohyeddin reads Urdu Adab in MP3

 

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