Zia Mohyeddin: A Pioneer in Pakistan's Performing Arts And Cultural Diplomacy.

Byline: Hira Sarwar

Zia Mohyeddin is a prominent name in the cultural landscape of Pakistan. He was an actor, director, producer, and writer. He contributed significantly to the entertainment industry of Pakistan.

His work spans theatre, television, and film. He has also been influential in cultural diplomacy, representing Pakistan on different international venues.

Artistic journey begins In Hollywood Zia Mohyeddin, born in Faisalabad in 1933, began his career in the theatre scene in London in the 1950s. He eventually made his way to New York City, where he became a Broadway mainstay, sharing the stage with Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor.

In the 1960s, he returned to Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) as an actor, launching his artistic career. He rose to prominence swiftly for his performances and linguistic emotions in Pakistan.

Over his career, Mohyeddin produced and directed several avant-garde TV dramas and documentaries. These initiatives addressed various socioeconomic issues while paying tribute to Pakistan's rich literary heritage.

His storytelling was very renowned worldwide. Zia started a struggle to make the Pakistan Performing Arts Academy (PNCA) in Karachi, which later became a center for theatrical enthusiasts.

He was instrumental in establishing PNCA to promote and preserve Pakistan's performing arts in the 1970s. By the middle of the 1970s, Zia had immigrated to the UK due to shifting political conditions in Pakistan, where he continued to work in Hollywood movies and on British television.

When he returned to the country in the 1990s, he revived his legendary program, "Zia Mohyeddin Show," under a new title.

For over 35 years, the city of Lahore hosted a night on television called "Eik Sham Zia Mohyeddin Ke Sath," in which Zia Mohyeddin recited Urdu prose and poetry.

He introduced my generation to legends such as Ghalib, Faiz, Ibn-e-Insha, Patras Bokhari, Noon Meem Rashid, and Shaukat Thanvi. In the late 1990s, the telecast of Shoaib Mansoor's "Dhun Humari Tumhare Naam Hoi" marked the first official meeting between Zia and the youth. He played songs from movies, which have been imitated over the years on both sides of the border.

Revival of Urdu by Zia

Zia Mohyeddin's voice was highly regarded for its depth and richness. He was considered one of the finest Urdu and English voice artists.

His interpretations of literary works, such as Ghalib's and Faiz's poetry and...