An irreplaceable Genius

Gulf Today Report

Pakistan’s veteran actor, director, television host and literary icon Zia Mohyeddin passed away at the age of 91 in Karachi on Monday. Zia Mohyeddin was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi due to fever and severe abdominal pain. It was later found in ultrasound that he was having intestinal issues. The actor then underwent an operation and was shifted to the intensive care ward (ICU) of the hospital, according to the sources. Zia became famous for his blockbuster Pakistan Television talk show named after him “Zia Mohyeddin Show” (1969–1973). He was also known for originating the role of Dr Aziz on the stage play of “A Passage to India.” He also appeared in “Lawrence of Arabia.”

Zia Mohyeddin was born on June 20, 1931, in Lyallpur, (now called Faisalabad), British India (now in Pakistan), in a family originally from Rohtak, East Punjab (now in Haryana), British India. His father, Khadim Mohyeddin, was a mathematician, musicologist, playwright and lyricist associated with various theatre groups.

Zia spent his early life in Kasur and Lahore. He was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London from 1953 to 1956. After stage roles in Long Day’s Journey into Night and Julius Caesar, he made his West End debut in “A Passage to India” from April 20 to 3 Dec.3, 1960 at the Comedy Theatre, running for 302 performances. He made his film debut in “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), playing the role of Tafas (the Arab guide who is shot by Omar Sharif for drinking water from the wrong well). He then made numerous TV and film appearances. As an actor, he worked for nearly 47 years in the United Kingdom.

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In February 2005, the then President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf invited Mohyeddin to form the National Academy of Performing Arts in Karachi, of which he had been President since its inception.

Politicians, celebrities, journalists, activists and others across Pakistan expressed grief as soon as news of Mohyeddin’s passing spread, with people calling it the end of an era.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Monday, said Mohyeddin’s unique style earned fame all over the world, including Pakistan. “Mohyeddin introduced a new dimension to television hosting in Pakistan,” the premier said, adding that Mohyeddin earned a good name for the country. He praised Mohyeddin’s role in training budding artists in his capacity as Napa’s president.

Sherry Rehman Tweeted, “Very sorry to hear of literary icon Zia Mohiyuddin’s passing. He was a true renaissance man for his mastery & connoisseurship on a range of cultural trends that made him inimitable. Most of all, his hypnotic voice took many generations from radio to tv. May he rest in peace.”

Former prime minister Imran Khan said Mohyeddin was a highly cultured person and an institution in the world of entertainment. “He will be missed. My condolences and prayers go to his family,” he added.

Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also sent her heartfelt condolences to the late thespian’s family. She said Mohyeddin was a literary figure whose style of reading and speaking gained fame worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Rekhta Foundation — an archive of Urdu poetry and literature — said that the news of Mohyeddin’s death came as a “huge shock leaving a void that cannot be filled”. “He was a fantastic actor, host, producer, and voice-over artist. May his soul rest in peace,” it tweeted. Actor Adnan Siddiqui said, “The world of arts bids farewell to a maestro — Zia Mohyeddin—broadcasting legend, poetic virtuoso, actor, and theatre director. As we celebrate his life and legacy, and mourn his loss, we are reminded of the immense impact he has had on our cultural landscape.” He has also authored three books namely “A Carrot is a Carrot,” “Theatrics” and “The God of My Idolatry Memories and Reflections.”

Zia was immensely popular in India also. Lots of Indians would watch him and admire him for his amazing control over his language and voice modulation.  Talking about him, Tufail Khan a resident of New Delhi said, “I happened to attend a session organised by Jashn-e-Rekhta in 2015, where Zia Mohyeddin mesmerized the Indian audience with his recitation at hall packed auditorium. I was amazed at his writings. This was my first encounter with him.” I was surprised to see many young Indians waiting for his session to begin. They had reached much before the session was to start. Such was his popularity in India, added Tufail.