Nasir Adeeb

Biography

Nasir Adeeb, born on 6 March 1947, is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated screenwriters, best known for his extensive work in Punjabi-language films. A towering figure in Lollywood, he is widely believed to hold an unmatched world record for writing the highest number of film scripts, with over four hundred screenplays to his name. His creativity extends beyond film—he began writing novels during his school days, including a spy novel that marked his early literary talent.

Adeeb’s rise to prominence began in the 1970s with Wehshi Jatt, followed by the iconic Maula Jatt, a film that reshaped the direction of Pakistani cinema. The characters he created—especially the legendary villain Noori Natt—became cultural phenomena. Maula Jatt also sparked major discussions between the government and filmmakers due to its bold storyline, demonstrating the impact of his writing on the national cinematic landscape.

He is credited with creating and popularizing the gandasa genre, a style of Punjabi action films that later became synonymous with Lollywood. According to many cultural critics, this genre revitalized Pakistani cinema during a time when the industry was struggling.

Nasir Adeeb’s professional journey began in 1971 when he joined Pakistan Television Corporation as an assistant program producer. A novel of his titled Aswa was later adapted into a film without his permission, prompting a legal case. The investigation, led by civil judge Sheikh Abdur Rashid, unexpectedly opened the door for Adeeb’s entry into the film world—setting him on the path to becoming one of its greatest writers.

His success was not limited to cinema. Adeeb also penned the long-running television play Janam Janam Ki Maili Chadar, which aired for an extraordinary one thousand episodes. Many of the songs from his films were sung by the legendary Noor Jehan, adding further cultural value to his work.

Among his modern achievements, he is also the screenwriter behind the international hit The Legend of Maula Jatt, proving that his influence spans generations.

Recipient of numerous honors—including the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance—Nasir Adeeb remains one of the most influential storytellers in Pakistan’s entertainment history, shaping the identity of Punjabi cinema and leaving a legacy unmatched in its scale.