Renowned British Pakistani Actor, Director, and TV Host Zia Mohiuddin Passes Away at 91

Renowned British Pakistani actor, director, and TV host Zia Mohiuddin passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of 91. The news of his demise has been met with sorrow and condolences from across the entertainment industry.

Born on June 20, 1931, in Faisalabad, Zia Mohiuddin began his career as a voice actor with Radio Australia. He worked for British theater for a long time and appeared in British and Hollywood films. He received formal acting training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London in the 1950s.

In 1962, Zia Mohiuddin got an opportunity to work in the film "Lawrence of Arabia" and played a memorable role in the film. He was the first South Asian actor to grace Broadway and started a unique program on PTV in the 1970s called the "Zia Mohiuddin Show." He was appointed as the Director of PIA Arts Academy in 1973.

After the martial law of General Zia-ul-Haq, Zia Mohiuddin went back to Britain and decided to return to Pakistan permanently in the 1990s. He was a complete literary masterpiece and contributed immensely to the entertainment industry.

Zia Mohiuddin founded the National Academy of Performing Arts in Karachi in 2004 and remained the head of the institution until the end of his life. In recognition of his services to the industry, he was awarded the Sitara Imtiaz in 2003 and the Hilal Imtiaz in 2012.

Zia Mohiuddin's father had the honor of being the writer and dialogue writer of Pakistan's first film, "Teri Yaad."

Zia Mohiuddin's funeral prayer was offered on the same day as his passing, after Zuhr prayer in Defense Phase 4 at Imambargah Yathrab.

Zia Mohiuddin's passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry, and he will always be remembered for his contributions to theater, cinema, and television. His unique and memorable performances will continue to inspire generations of actors to come.