In an era when on-screen villainy in Pakistani films was ruled by good looking villains such as Aslam Pervaiz, Masood Akhtar and even Mohammad Ali (in his initial films), Adeeb made his entry with Daal Mein Kala (1964), which was directed by Iqbal Yusuf and featured Syed Kamal and Bahar Begum in the lead along with late actors Nirala and Mohammad Ali.
[2] He was at ease in both Urdu and Punjabi films, playing memorable roles in countless films opposite other actors such as Sultan Rahi in Maula Jatt (1979) and Andaata, Waheed Murad in Eid Mubarak (1965)[1] and Kaneez,[1] Saaz Aur Awaaz (1965), Rishta Hai Pyar Ka (1967), Aik Nagina (1969), Afsana (1970) and Dushman (1974), Syed Kamal in Daal Main Kaala (1962) and Shab Bakhair and Nadeem in Talaash (1986), Ustadon Kay Ustad (1990) and Khazana (1995).
Late directors – Rangeela's Diya Aur Toofan and Riaz Shahid's Gharnata and Yeh Aman (both 1971) – gave Adeeb tailor-made roles in their films to show his true potential.
In a career spanning over 50 years, Adeeb featured in more than 500 films, depicting villainous roles in different shades such as a deceiving brother, cruel father, nasty husband, dishonest friend and brutal landlord.
Adeeb married actress Tani Begum but later they both filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences but remained on good terms.