Adam Nayyar
Pakistani anthropologist, author
About Adam Nayyar
Lived 1948 – 2008 (aged 59–60). Adam Nayyar was a Pakistani anthropologist, ethnomusicologist, musicologist, music journalist and writer.
Early life Nayyar was born on 10 December 1948 in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. He studied cultural anthropology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. "Dr Nayyar was valued as an authority on Pakistani music, especially Sufi and folk music, and culture. His areas of interests and experience were ethnographic investigations, teaching and training, music and Silk Route music".
"Dr Nayyar was instrumental in putting Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on the world map of music. In 1991, working as a team anthropologist, he produced a film on the musical heritage of Pakistan titled Pardesi which won an "Honorable Mention Award" at the Cannes Film Festival".
He was also the faculty of the Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.
Awards and recognition Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knighthood or Order of Arts and Letters) Award from the Government of France for his contributions to cultural life of the world. Silver medal Award for two of his co-produced films with a French team titled 'Religious and Sufi Music' and 'The Music of Balochistan' at the Florence Film Festival.
Death Nayyar died on 29 July 2008 in Islamabad, at age 59 due to cancer of lymph nodes. Many literary figures including Naeem Tahir and his close friends attended his funeral.
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Important facts
People in Adam Nayyar's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Adam Nayyar's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Adam Nayyar?
Pakistani anthropologist, author
When was Adam Nayyar born?
Adam Nayyar was born in 1948 in Bahawalpur.
When did Adam Nayyar die?
Adam Nayyar died on 29 July 2008 in Islamabad.
What was Adam Nayyar's occupation?
Adam Nayyar was an anthropologist, ethnomusicologist, musicologist, music journalist and writer.
What nationality was Adam Nayyar?
Adam Nayyar was Pakistani.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Adam Nayyar. https://biography.guide/adam-nayyar/
MLA: "Adam Nayyar." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/adam-nayyar/.
Chicago: "Adam Nayyar." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/adam-nayyar/.
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