KARACHI – Pakistani actor, literary icon, and noted televangelist Zia Mohyeddin passed away at the age of 91.

The master thespian breathed his last in Karachi, and his funeral prayers will be held at Imambargah Yasrab in Defence Phase 4 in the port city, reports said.

The octogenarian was earlier admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Karachi.

The veteran writer was a living legend in South Asia as far as broadcasting, literature and recitation, are considered.

Born in Faisalabad, Zia spent his early life in Lahore and was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London from 1953 to 1956. He started his career with Long Day’s Journey into Night and Julius Caesar, Zia bedazzled people with his performances on TV and stage.

The legendary actor made his film debut in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and worked for nearly 47 years in the UK. He mentored a large number of students now working in Television production.

For his ever-green performances and contributions to art, the Pakistani government awarded him with Hilal-i-Imtiaz Award, and Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award.

Social media users and people inspired by his work turned to social media to pay tribute to the late actor after the announcement of his death.