Zia Sarhadi

Zia Sarhadi (; born Fazl-e-Qadir Sethi 1914 in Peshawar, North West Frontier Province – 27 January 1997 in Karachi, Sindh) was an Indian and Pakistani screenwriter and director in the Indian film industry, whose career spanned what is widely considered the Golden Age of Indian Cinema.

Career Zia Sarhadi received his early education and a college degree from Peshawar.

He was involved in writing the script as a consultant for the film Mother India (1957), considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time, but is rarely credited for his contribution. Described as an "unaffiliated Marxist", his films were known for dealing with social issues of the period.

Death and legacy Zia Sarhadi died due to a heart attack in Madrid, Spain on 27 January 1997 at age 82. He was buried in his hometown Peshawar, Pakistan later.

Filmography Year Title Director Screenwriter Notes 1936 Bhole Bhale Deccan Queen 1956 Awaaz 1960 Rahguzar 1964 Beti dialogues only 1966 Insaan 1967 Lakhon Mein Aik 1977 Naya Suraj