Sarwat Gilani

December 22, 1982 — Peshawar, Pakistan

Sarwat Gilani (born December 22, 1982) is a Pakistani actress of film and television and social activist. Known for her versatile acting, her works include numerous television plays, web series, and feature films. She is best known to international audiences for her role in Joyland (2022), which won the Best International Film Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her activism stretches from advocacy for women's rights to child abuse. She is an ambassador for Special Olympics Pakistan, Indus Hospital Health Network, and Search for Justice. She has repeatedly sparked controversy for her openness to discuss taboo topics like her open support for the LGBTQ community.