Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR: Peshawar has long been celebrated for producing legends — from sports icons to towering names in performing arts. Its soil has nurtured talent that not only shines locally but leaves an indelible mark on Pakistan’s cultural landscape. Among these celebrated sons of Peshawar is Ejaz Mir — an actor, director, anchor, and writer whose journey through the world of television and performing arts spans nearly three and a half decades.
Born in Peshawar Cantt as Ejaz Ahmad, he grew up with a flair for performance that soon became his destiny. He stepped into the spotlight in 1988/89, when, as a teenager, he began acting for Peshawar Television. What started as a humble beginning quickly turned into a meteoric rise. Within a short span, Ejaz Mir became a household name and one of the most sought-after faces in Urdu television dramas.
By the early 1990s, Mir was not just acting — he was leading. With over 16 serials as the main hero, he carved his place among the industry’s elite. His unforgettable performances in dramas like In Hi Pathron Pe Chal Ke, Noorina, Wapsi, Sawāl, Chingariyan, Faslon Ke Darmiyan, and Ajnabi Raaste Ajnabi Manzilen cemented his reputation as a “Chocolate Hero”, a title bestowed on him by audiences who admired his charm and screen presence.
But Ejaz Mir’s artistic journey was never confined to acting alone. He embraced his versatility, becoming a respected anchor, director, and writer. From anchoring live morning shows for two consecutive years to directing documentaries, mega musical shows, and even international sporting events like the PSL, World Cup, and the first-ever T-10 Cricket Series in Sharjah, Mir’s career expanded far beyond traditional drama sets. His years with Geo TV, TV One, Khyber TV, and K2 TV saw him take on leadership roles in production, proving his creative depth and technical command.
Recognition followed naturally. In 2000, he was honored with the PTV Best Actor Award, followed by a series of accolades including the SAC Gold Medal, Bank of Khyber Award, Pakistan Excellence Award (Karachi), Fakhar-e-Peshawar Award, and no fewer than 23 National Talent Awards. His crowning moment as a director came in 2015, when his drama RRF won first position at the All Pakistan AVT Drama Festival — bagging nine awards, an unprecedented achievement in the festival’s history.
Even today, Ejaz Mir continues to reinvent himself. His recent roles in Hum TV’s Khel, Nafrat, Aadhi Bewafai, and Green TV’s Dunyapur have reminded audiences why he remains such a beloved figure. And with upcoming serials like Hum TV’s Had and Green TV’s Pamal, his artistic flame shows no sign of dimming.
Calm, soft-spoken, and deeply grounded despite decades of success, Ejaz Mir stands as a symbol of Peshawar’s cultural pride. From theatre to film, from television screens to live stadium broadcasts, his journey reflects not just the evolution of a single artist, but the story of Pakistan’s performing arts itself.
For more than 35 years, Ejaz Mir has been more than just an actor. He is a storyteller, a mentor, and above all, a testament to how passion and perseverance can shape a legacy.
Leave a Reply