SANJAY PANDITA
In the serene valley of Srinagar, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Kashmir, a young sports enthusiast named Mohammad Sarwar Mir harbored dreams far removed from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. Born into a world where sports dominated his ambitions, Sarwar’s journey from a budding athlete to a celebrated actor and director is nothing short of a cinematic saga.
Sarwar’s early years were marked by a fervent passion for sports. Excelling in various athletic disciplines, he envisioned a future on the playing fields, not the stage. His aspirations were grounded in the pursuit of excellence in sports, a path that seemed set in stone until a serendipitous turn of events altered his course.
Raised in a family that valued hard work and perseverance, Sarwar’s initial years were spent honing his athletic skills. Whether it was running, jumping, or any other sport, he always aimed to be the best. His determination and drive were evident even in those early days, characteristics that would later propel him into the limelight of a different field altogether.
Sarwar’s foray into modeling was as unexpected as it was transformative. Moving to Delhi, he plunged into the world of fashion, walking ramps and starring in advertisements and music videos. His striking presence and natural flair for the camera quickly made him a sought-after model. Yet, despite his success, a deeper artistic calling beckoned. The transition from an athlete to a model was not without its challenges, but Sarwar embraced each new experience with the same vigor and enthusiasm he had shown in sports.
Modeling opened new avenues for Sarwar, exposing him to the world of creativity and performance. The lights, cameras, and the thrill of the runway ignited a new passion within him. He began to see the potential of storytelling through visual art, a realization that would soon guide him towards his true calling—acting.
Sarwar harbored a deep yearning for the stage, and his passion culminated in his role in Julius Caesar ke Aakhri Saat Din, directed by Mr. Bapi Bose. This experience was nothing short of transformative, igniting a fervent passion for acting that would irrevocably shape the trajectory of his life. His performance in Nayak Bapi Bose was a defining moment, heralding his emergence as a formidable talent in the world of theatre.
The world of theatre provided Sarwar with a profound understanding of the craft of acting. It was in the intimate settings of the stage that he learned to convey deep emotions, create compelling characters, and connect with the audience. The disciplined and rigorous training in theatre equipped him with skills that would later become the foundation of his success in film.
In 2003, Sarwar’s diverse interests led him to become the first officially recognized martial arts trainer in Kashmir from NIS SAI Sports Authority of India Manipur Centre. This achievement was a testament to his dedication and multifaceted talents. Around the same time, he saw an advertisement for a National School of Drama workshop in a local newspaper. He applied, was selected, and thus began his formal journey into the world of acting.
Working as an Assistant Director with M.K. Raina, a renowned theatre and film actor, Sarwar’s first play, Saudaghar, provided invaluable experience. Subsequent workshops with M.K. Raina in 2004 and 2005 honed his skills further. In 2005, he directed his first skit, a milestone that would pave the way for future directorial ventures.
Sarwar’s growing reputation caught the attention of Rashid Mushtaq, who cast him in the Kashmiri film Aakh Dalil Loolich. Offers began to pour in, including a role as Badshah in a project by Mushtaq Bal. Though his youthful appearance prevented him from fitting this role, it was clear that Sarwar’s star was on the rise.
A significant opportunity came with a play directed by M.K. Raina, Subhadra Kumar Chauhan, which made him to tour across India. This experience enriched his understanding of the theatrical craft. Simultaneously, his prowess in photography earned him accolades from the Cultural Academy, showcasing yet another dimension of his artistic talent.
The touring play exposed Sarwar to diverse audiences and performance styles, further refining his acting skills. Each performance was a learning experience, teaching him the nuances of stage presence and the importance of connecting with the audience. Meanwhile, his photography allowed him to capture the world through his lens, an artistic outlet that complemented his work in theatre and film.
In 2010, Mushtaq Bala approached Sarwar for a television serial. The legendary late Tariq Shah recognized his acting depth, leading to numerous roles in Kashmiri serials that made him a household name. His tenure in Kashmir, working with prominent figures like Mushtaq Bala , Ayash Arif, Rafi Hyder, Bashir Dada and many professionals in J&K, further solidified his expertise in acting, camera work, and production techniques.
The allure of Bollywood eventually drew Sarwar to Mumbai, where he embarked on his film career. His debut film, Dil Patang, unfortunately, did not release, but this setback did not deter him. Significant roles in major films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kesari, Laxmi, Kedarnath, Shershaah, Mission Majnu, and Gadar 2 followed, among others. His versatility shone through in these projects, earning him recognition and respect in the industry.
Sarwar’s transition to Bollywood was marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite initial setbacks, he remained undeterred, continually honing his craft and seeking new opportunities. His performances in Bollywood films showcased his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from intense dramatic roles to lighter, more comedic parts.
Sarwar’s talent transcended national boundaries, landing him a role in the Hollywood film Vanguard, where he shared the screen with the legendary Jackie Chan. This achievement marked a high point in his international career. Working alongside an international icon like Jackie Chan was a testament to Sarwar’s talent and dedication.
The experience of working in Hollywood broadened Sarwar’s horizons, exposing him to different filmmaking techniques and styles. It also provided him with an opportunity to showcase his talent on a global platform, further cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.
After establishing himself as an actor, Sarwar embraced the director’s chair with Bed No. 17. His directorial debut earned him the Best Debut Director award at the 17th Ayodhya Film Festival and the Golden Jury Film Festival. Sarwar expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am really happy that I have received a couple of Best Debut Director awards. It’s really encouraging and motivates me to direct more independent films like this. Though I have directed theatre plays, several songs, and a web series, a film is always special.”
Directing allowed Sarwar to explore his creative vision further. He was able to bring his unique perspective to the screen, creating compelling stories that resonated with audiences. His success as a director demonstrated his multifaceted talent and his ability to excel in various aspects of the entertainment industry.
Sarwar continues to push creative boundaries. He has written and directed the web series Fundbaaz, currently in its final stages, and is working on a film titled Kuch Baqi Hai, with scenes shot in the breathtaking locales of Ladakh and Kashmir. His directorial endeavors also include music videos like Ya Ali and Ha Madano, showcasing his ability to tell compelling stories across various mediums.
Sarwar’s contributions to the performing arts were honored with the prestigious State/UT award by the J&K Government in 2023. Reflecting on this recognition, he said, “It’s an honor to receive this award as I have worked really hard for more than two decades and have passed many hurdles, sacrificing so many things in the process. It was a long journey, but I enjoyed every moment, every hardship that came my way. However, there is still a lot to learn, achieve, and contribute. He thanks Allah and his family for being there always, especially his father, the late Mohammad Safdar Mir (Safdar Motors), for being the inspiration and pillar of strength.
Sarwar’s photography also earned him an award from the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. Under the banner of Safdar Arts, named in honor of his father, he has produced several independent films from J&K.
Sarwar’s expertise was further recognized when he joined the preview committee of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), one of the country’s most prestigious film festivals. He described this experience as a significant learning opportunity, saying, “I am blessed to be part of IFFI this year. It was more a training process for me as an actor and filmmaker. I saw some great movies and some not-so-great ones, but the lesson is what to make and what not to. I am glad some of the films I chose won awards in the end.”
Participating in IFFI allowed Sarwar to engage with a broader film community, learning from fellow filmmakers and gaining insights into global cinema trends.
Sarwar’s narrative is not just about personal triumph but also about the support system that stood by him—his family, mentors, and the artistic community. His father, wife, and daughter played pivotal roles in his journey, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Their sacrifices and steadfast belief in his dreams underscore the importance of a strong foundation in achieving one’s goals.
As Mir Sarwar continues to evolve as an artist, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that the path to success is seldom straightforward. It is marked by challenges, learning experiences, and moments of profound realization. His story is an ode to the indomitable spirit of an artist who dared to dream beyond the ordinary and, in doing so, carved a niche for himself in the annals of Indian cinema.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
