We all need to agree on one fact, this show is- wait for it- legendary! Through a span of 9 seasons, this show was able to make a huge fan base not only in the US but all over the world. The sheer creativity with which the plot held on through 208 episodes of building an unmatched curiosity among the viewers is simply phenomenal. The clever writing, the awesome performance by a set of brilliant actors, the endearing storyline, the right amount of drama, and lots and lots of laughter; all of these are the ingredients that make a perfect sitcom. C’mon, this is the show that gave birth to the term “bro-code”. Legendary! Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney are pop-culture icons now, such is the popularity of this show.
After 7 years since the last episode of the series aired, there have been talks about a spin-off series of HIMYM, How I Met Your Father. This led us to think, what would it be like to reimagine the cast of HIMYM with Indian actors! I know, nothing can replace the sheer brilliance with which each actor portrayed their character, there’s no doubt about it. Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby), Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson), Cobie Smulders (Robin Scherbatsky), Jason Segel (Marshall Eriksen), and Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin) were the best choices for each character. It is difficult to imagine anyone else in their place. But, just for fun, let’s see how this show would come across with an Indian cast!
1. Ted Mosby
Josh Radnor brought the character of Ted Mosby to life in a way no other actor could have. Imran Khan was a close contender, I wouldn’t lie. But the acting skills of our man RK are perfectly suited for the lead character of this series. I wouldn’t be lying if I said that Ranbir Kapoor could even pull off a Barney Stinson. But when I think of Ted Mosby, it reminds me of the young Ranbir Kapoor from his debut film Saawariya. Just picture him with the Blue French Horn, standing beneath Robin’s window. Picture perfect, isn’t it?
2. Barney Stinson
Disclaimer: No one, I repeat, no one can play the role of Barney Stinson better than Neil Patrick Harris. But Ranveer Singh is the one actor who could even barely fill his shoes. Ranveer Singh does look dapper in a suit! Even if he chooses not to wear one often. He would wear the ducky tie any day though. Haha. The typical ‘I like girls with daddy issues,’ afraid of love kind of man who is always up for playing out a trick from his playbook and getting laid. Am I the only one who can think of Ranveer Singh in his Ricky Bahl avatar at this point? But, both the characters fall in love at the end, don’t they? (wink face). Being the playboy that he is, Barney is also this sweetheart who is struggling with his own childhood issues and his fear of attachment. Despite his activities, Barney emerges as one of the most well-developed characters in the entire series. Ranveer Singh, being the versatile actor that he is, would be able to do justice to the character of Barney.
3. Robin Scherbatsky
Robin’s doppelganger in the show may be ‘Lesbian Robin‘ but in real life, it is Katrina Kaif. I mean, just look at them! Uncanny. But looks aren’t the only thing that would lead to the casting of Katrina Kaif as Robin. Just have a look at some of the early films of Katrina, doesn’t she fit the role of Robin Sparkles perfectly! The other day I was watching her dance to the song ‘Just Chill‘ and I thought that she could literally just jump out of the screen and start singing “Let’s Go To The Mall” all of a sudden. Even the older, more mature, and tough Robin can be well played by Katrina. Her no-nonsense demeanor in movies like ‘Ek Tha Tiger‘ and ‘Phantom’ show that she can be good at serious scenes too. As far as comic timing is concerned, Katrina can give a worthy if not an equal competition to Cobie Smulders any fine day.
Yes, I did think of Deepika Padukone for the role of Robin, but isn’t she better suited for the role of The Mother?
4. Marshall Eriksen
No, I am not claiming that Marshall is the kind of guy who would just start dancing on the streets singing ‘Ole Ole‘, but it is a possibility, especially when Marshall has eaten a sandwich. But the question is- Why Saif? Is it because he is a ‘safe’ option? I am sorry for that ridiculous pun but yes, Saif is indeed a safe option. Saif hasn’t played many roles in which he appears as a dedicated lover as Marshall is. But he has definitely shined in the roles of being a ‘friend’, be it as Sameer in Dil Chahta Hai (who, by the way, did settle down at the end), or Rohit in Kal Ho Naa Ho. The resolve and depth that the character of Marshall has can be deftly portrayed by Saif, backed by his years of experience as an actor. And speaking about comic timing, our Nawab isn’t less than Jason Segel!
Yes, Abhishek Bachchan did come to my mind but can he be as goofy as Saif Ali Khan when it comes to portraying the role of Marshall Eriksen? I guess not. Aditya Roy Kapoor would also be a good choice, but Saif just fits the dynamics properly.
5. Lily Aldrin
Many people argue that Kalki Koechlin or Anushka Sharma would be better for the role of Lily Aldrin. But have you people seen Bebo and her films? She is the quintessential Lily Aldrin. Be it her drama queen vibes, or her ‘I’ll get my revenge’ face, Kareena Kapoor would simply kill it as Lily Aldrin. And since we have reimagined Ranbir Kapoor as Ted Mosby, who could be a better friend/mother/sister figure than Kareena Kapoor for him? The chemistry, it just clicks. I have even started imagining Marvin as Taimur, I’m sorry.
It is difficult to reimagine the characters with a different set of actors for such a beloved show! But it was worth a try. What do you feel about this cast? Will they be able to do justice to these iconic characters? Do let me know in the comments section.