Zia Mohiuddin is a well-known international artist who holds a British-Pakistani heritage. He has garnered recognition and acclaim for his work as an actor, broadcaster, and poet. Throughout his artistic career, Zia has starred in several highly regarded movies that have propelled him to stardom. He is also highly respected in the theater community. Additionally, Zia’s niece, Ainy Jaffri, has also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. This article provides a comprehensive biography of Zia Mohiuddin.

Zia Mohiuddin Biography:

Zia Mohiuddin has gained widespread recognition for his memorable performances in productions such as “Julius Caesar,” “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” and “A Passage to India,” among others. With his training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Zia quickly gained fame in both theater and film. Over the course of his career, he honed his skills and captivated audiences with his talent. Additionally, Zia played a significant role in the Pakistani film and television industry, appearing in numerous key productions after being invited to work in Pakistan by Bhutto. He is said to have had a career spanning over 45 years in England.

Zia date of Birth:

Zia was born on 20th June 1931 in Lyallpur, British India.

Zia Mohiuddin Family:

Zia Mohiuddin was born into a family in Haryana, India. His father, Khadim Mohyeddin, was a talented mathematician, musician, and playwright, who was also well-known for his work as a lyricist in the theater. Zia married two women, Azra Mohyeddin and Naheed Siddiqi, with whom he worked at the P.I.A Dance Academy in Karachi. He had three sons, Risha, Minos, and Hasan, and a daughter named Alia. Zia also has several grandchildren, including Fatima, Maya, Tarun, Maleeha, and Shayan Mohyeddin. His nieces, Ainy Jaffry and Maher Jaffry, have also become famous in their own right as Pakistani television stars.

Education of Mohiuddin:

Zia Mohiuddin’s father had a strong background in the arts, being associated with the theater. This exposure to the arts in his early life provided Zia with a solid foundation. After spending time in Kasur, Zia decided to pursue a career as an artist and went to England. He enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where he received training for four years and honed his artistic talent.

Artistic Career:

Initial Career

• Zia’s acting career began with stage performances, including historical dramas such as Julius Caesar. Through these roles, he demonstrated his talent and attracted attention, leading to a role in the film “Passage to India” in 1960. His big break came with the film “Lawrence of Arabia” in 1962, where he played the part of Tafas. This success opened doors for him in the American film industry and he went on to take on numerous memorable roles.
• Zia’s reputation grew with his performances in the American series “Danger Man” and “Dead Man Walks.” He also played King Philip of Spain in an episode of “Sir Francis Drake” called “Visit to Spain.” These roles helped elevate Zia’s fame to new heights.

Return to Pakistan:

• After a successful start to his career, Zia returned to Pakistan in 1960 and started the “The Mohyeddin Show,” the country’s first-ever talk show. He also worked as a producer, director, and actor in Pakistan. His expertise in the field earned him the appointment as the director of the PIA Arts Academy in 1973, a position he held for four years during Bhutto’s regime. It was during this time that he met and later married the renowned dancer Nahid.
• Following the overthrow of the government, Zia left Pakistan due to differences with Zia ul Haq and returned to England, where he began working on the popular program “Here and Now.” Zia is also known for his recitation of Urdu poetry and literature and has a talent for bringing new life to works of famous Urdu writers. He has elevated the art of recitation to new and unprecedented heights. In addition to Urdu, Zia is also skilled in reading English literature.
• Zia’s unique style has captivated millions of listeners and his Urdu recitation can be easily accessed online through both video and audio. In 2005, he was invited by Musharraf to return to Pakistan and establish the National Academy of Arts in Karachi, where he still serves as its president.

Zia Mohiuddin Awards:

Zia has made significant contributions to the world of art and is recognized internationally for his work as an actor, director, producer, and reader. During Musharraf’s regime, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2003, and in 2012 he was further honored by the Government of Pakistan with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his services. More recently, in 2017, the Pakistani community in Dubai presented him with a lifetime achievement award, which was presented by the Pakistani Ambassador in Dubai.

Zia Mohiuddin Movies:

1. Lawrence of Arabia
2. The Sailor from Gibraltar
3. Behold a Pale Horse
4. Bombay Talkie
5. The Assam Garden
6. Some Lovers to Some Beloveds

List of TV Shows:

1. Danger Man
2. The Avengers
3. The Champion
4. The Jewel in the Crown
5. Dhun Hamari Thumaare Naam Hue
6. The Adventures of Sir Drake
7. Jackanory