Tribute

Remembering

Zia Mohyeddin

The legacy of Zia Mohyeddin will endure for generations to come, and his influence will continue to resonate, a timeless testament to the power of art to touch the human soul.

By Syed Ovais Akhtar | March 2024


Zia Mohyeddin is one of the few luminaries who still tend to shine in the pantheon of artistic excellence with all their shine and glow even after their physical departure from the showbiz world. Died last year in February, Zia Mohyeddin, a legendary thespian, director, and founder of the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), left an indelible mark on generations to come, carving a niche for himself as a titan of the performing arts thanks to his commanding presence on stage, his magnetic performances on screen, and his lifelong contributions to performing arts and literature.

To mark the first death anniversary of Zia Mohyeddin, a tribute was presented at Napa. Moderated by Junaid Zuberi, CEO, Napa, the programme began with a panel discussion, which included Azra Mohyeddin, Zia Mohyeddin’s widow and an actress, Munawwar Saeed, Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairperson, Napa, Javed Jabbar, the leading scholar and former senator, Khalid Ahmed, Napa’s Advisor on Theatre, and poet Ashfaq Hussain.

In her remarks, Azra Mohyeddin narrated her first meeting with Zia Mohyeddin, where she had corrected Zia sahib’s Urdu, which, perhaps, made him believe that she was a person of strength. Speaking on the occasion, Junaid Zuberi said it was difficult to talk about the personality of Zia Mohyeddin, while Munawwar Saeed said Zia Mohyeddin was a man of great self-control and relieved his first meeting with him during the marking of directed Lal Qilay Se Lalukhet directed by Khwaja Moinuddi.

Azra Mohyeddin , Munawwar Saeed, Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Khalid Ahmed, Javed Jabbar, and Ashfaq Hussain.

In his address, Syed Jawaid Iqbal said the legacy of Zia Mohyeddin was that he took the classical literature out of drawing rooms to the masses through his parhant (literary recitation). Former senator Javed Jabbar said Zia Mohyeddin, an embodiment of the stage, made the works of poets come alive.

Recalling the day Zia Mohyeddin passed away, Khalid Ahmed, in his comments, urged Mohyeddin’s students to keep his legacy alive through their work. He said that although Napa was closed for three days in mourning, Zia Mohyeddin’s students assembled every evening to remember their great teacher.

The event was emceed by Mohyeddin’s student, Samina Nazir. On the occasion, Zia Mohyeddin’s students paid him tribute by reading text from Fasana-i-Azad written by Ratan Nath Dhar Sarshar as well as reciting poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Noon Meem Rashid, and Zehra Nigah. Some students also enacted a scene from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Born in June 1933 in Faisalabad, Mohyeddin’s artistic journey began in his early years steeped in literature and theatre. His passion for the performing arts drew him to the world of acting, gracing the stages of prestigious theatres in Karachi and Lahore and captivating audiences with his emotive performances and flawless delivery. In no time, Mohyeddin’s artistry transcended the confines of the stage to encompass the realms of radio, television, and film. The versatile actor lurking in him helped him perform various roles. His portrayal of iconic characters such as Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights” and Hamlet in Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy showcased his range and depth as a performer, cementing his status as a true master of his craft.

An avid reader, scholar, and teacher of English literature, Zia Mohyeddin possessed a deep understanding of the written word, which he brilliantly imparted to his countless students. His profound passion for storytelling and keen insight into human nature instilled in his students a long-lasting love for literature. In a word, Zia Mohyeddin has left behind a rich legacy that will endure for generations to come, and his influence as the master performer will continue to resonate, a timeless testament to the power of art to touch the human soul.