Legendary Pakistani actor Zia Mohyeddin passes away at 91

The first Pakistani actor to work in Hollywood, Zia Mohyeddin, died on Monday, February 13, at the age of 91, following a brief illness. After complaining of abdominal pain and fever, the veteran actor, director, and TV host was admitted to a hospital in Karachi. He was later placed on life support following a surgical procedure.


Many people remembered him by the name of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Immaculate Conception’. The Zia Mohyeddin Show, which he hosted, became very popular in Pakistan.


According to his family, he breathed his last at 6.30 a.m. The funeral prayer would be offered in Karachi's Defence area. His death was mourned by Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which described him as a cultural icon.


“We grieve the loss of the iconic Zia Mohyeddin, a true symbol of Pakistani art and culture. He was a brilliant intellectual, a wonderful human being, and a beloved friend to many”. "His contributions to the country and the arts will not be forgotten," read the tweet.




Mohyeddin was born on June 20, 1931, in Faisalabad, Punjab province, Pakistan, and rose to prominence through acting, broadcasting, and poetry recitation.

He was also the emeritus president of Karachi's National Institute of Performing Arts, where he mentored a slew of aspiring artists. He also wrote columns for newspapers.

In Pakistan, he hosted the Zia Mohyeddin Show, which increased his popularity. Mohyeddin Zia’s memoir ‘A Carrot is a Carrot: Memories and Reflections’ was also published in 2012.

He appeared in several British films, including ‘A Boy Ten Feet Tall’ and ‘The Sailor from Gibraltar’, to name a few. He also appeared in BBC shows such as Danger Man and Doctors and Nurses.

FAQs

Q1. When was Zia Mohyeddin born?
Zia Mohyeddin was born on June 20, 1931, in Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan.


Q2. Which is Zia Mohyeddin's first Hollywood movie?
Lawrence of Arabia.