[I deplore] anyone who imposes their own religious, political or moral ideals on others: Adnan Sarwar

Adnan Sarwar of Club Caramel on flying cockroaches and air conditioned pants.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Family, friends, race-cars and music! Not all at once of course. That’s simply not possible.

What is your greatest fear?

To end up as a statistic.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Self-righteousness.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Auto racing.

What is your current state of mind?

Resolute and excited!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Piety.

On what occasion do you lie?

I never lie. Honest!

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who imposes their own religious, political or moral
ideals on others.  I can give examples but it’s the mindset which is deplorable.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Intellect and a sense of humour.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

The X Factor.

When and where were you happiest?

New Year’s 2009. HaadRin Beach, dancing with the devil!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I tested with and got selected as a driver for Pakistan A1 GP
racing team in a Formula Race Car in China in 2006 while living in abject poverty. I did not own a road car at that time.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My two younger brothers. They are an inspiration and a living lesson in courage and perseverance.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Gibson Les Paul Guitar.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Self-pity.

If you didn’t do your current job, what would you choose to do?

I wouldn’t trade my life and its direction for anything else.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Umro Ayyaar.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Icarus.

What is your greatest regret?

Going to medical school and wasting years of my life. If given another go, I’d go to music school!

What do you fear most, lizards or cockroaches?

Lizards are okay. Cockroaches are evil! Especially the ones that fly right at you.

What’s your favourite quote?

My candle burns at both its ends;

It will not last the night;

But oh, my foes, and oh, my friends —

It gives a lovely light.

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

Back to my time: the year 2169.

What’s the one thing you wish someone would invent?

Air conditioned pants and shirts.  It’s going to be a hot summer.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you take with you?

A female companion, and I’d start working on populating the place.

If they made a movie on your life, who would you want to play your role?

Moammer Rana.

What would the movie be called?

‘The Pursuit of Happiness’.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, April 24^th, 2011.