Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Adnan’s passion for music and storytelling was evident from a young age. Whether writing songs on his acoustic guitar or sharing tales around a bonfire on cold winter nights, his path was clearly set early on. Though he trained as a doctor, his love for the arts propelled him to leave medicine behind and embrace a creative career. His early experiences—as a guitar player for various acts and a creator of music videos for his own band—paved the way for his cinematic debut.

 

In 2015, Adnan made his feature debut with Shah—an independently produced biopic in which he not only starred but also penned the screenplay and composed the original score. Celebrated as a "champion of Pakistani cinema" for its inspirational narrative and resourceful, low-budget indie approach, Shah set a high benchmark for his future work.

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Building on that success, Adnan directed Motorcycle Girl (2018), a biographical drama chronicling Zenith Irfan’s groundbreaking journey as the first Pakistani woman to travel across the country on a motorbike. Praised for its empowering message and strong performances, the film earned international accolades and represented Pakistan at prestigious festivals around the world.

 

Expanding his creative reach beyond the big screen, Adnan has made significant strides in the digital and television arenas. His projects for OTT platforms and TV include the 2021 Mahira Khan starrer Aik Hai Nigar, the first Pakistani telefilm to win an international award for Best Asian Film.

 

Through honest, heartfelt storytelling and a focus on real-life narratives and socially relevant themes, Adnan Sarwar continues to help redefine the landscape of Pakistani cinema, television and digital media.