It’s Quarantine: Day ‘n’ and I have just started binge watching my favourite show — How I met your mother, which got me thinking what the cast would look like in a Pakistani remake.
One of the best rom-com series to be ever made, How I Met Your Mother struck all the right chords with the audience from its first episode. The fresh take on the intertwined lives of bunch of New Yorkers made it a memorable project while its characters remain relatable for many even today.
As for the storyline, the series revolves around the character of Ted Mosby who at some time in the future is telling his children about how he met their mother. Along with episodes of his many shots at true love, Ted’s story also involves the lives of his best friend and roommate Marshall, his wife Lily, his playboy best friend Barney and Robin — his on-off again romance.
A light hearted comedy about friendship and love just might be what our audience needs in times when our tv channels are only producing similar tried and tested content that mostly revolves around a crying wife, a cheating husband and a scheming someone.
Although, I think after Ted’s many failed attempts at love and him reaching his mid-30s, the only way he could meet the mother in a Pakistani drama would be through arranged marriage and the series would either end with him marrying one of his cousins, but I’d still like to get creative and put together the cast I think would be the perfect choice if the series ever gets remade in Pakistan.
Ted Mosby: Ahmed Ali Akbar
Played by actor Josh Radnor in the original series, Ted Mosby is an architect and a college professor who is also a hopeless romantic determined to find ‘The One’ as he tells the story of his life through his late twenties to mid-thirties.
Having done theatre, drama and film, Ahmed Ali Akbar with his brooding looks definitely looks the part and after seeing him struggle to confess his love in a recent drama, he’s already got half of this role right.
Barney Stinson: Ali Rehman Khan
The ‘legendary’ Barney Stinson played by Neil Patrick Harris is undoubtedly the most loved character of the drama. The proverbial flirt, Barney uses various strange yet successful strategies to attract women. He also encourages Ted to let loose and follow his ways but things end up every differently for him as the series progresses.
Honestly, with his piercing coloured eyes and charm, Ali Rehman fits right in also owing to his brilliant comical timing. As suits are the character’s staple wardrobe and since Ali looks absolutely handsome in them, it would be a rather treat for the ladies to see him ‘Suit up’ each week.
Marshall Erikson: Osman Khalid Butt
Ted’s best friend and roommate — Marshall has got to be the cutest character on the show. Played by Jason Segel, Marshall marries Lily after being together since college and is that one fun guy you would want to be around all the time.
It should be no surprise that Osman Khalid Butt is the choice to play this role for two very important reasons. First wouldn’t it be great to see these real life buddies Ahmed, Ali and Osman play friends on screen. Secondly, there is no other actor who can play Marshall as effortlessly as Osman, he just looks the part.
Robin Scherbatsky: Kubra Khan
A Canadian immigrant who Ted falls madly in love with at first sight, Robin was essayed by the very good looking Cobie Smulders. Along with being beautiful, Robin’s character also had many shades to it. She was a determined news anchor who refuses to get married or have kids. She enjoys sports while her Canadian accent and background also was the centre of many jokes from her friends.
Kubra Khan not only is absolutely gorgeous and can definitely make any one fall head over heels for her, also has played several different roles including comedy that makes her the right choice for this role. Also her fresh pairing with Ahmed and Ali can be very interesting.
Lily Aldrin: Ainy Jaffri
Married to Marshall, Lily is a total fun character who is a kindergarten teacher and a budding artist. Though she appears to be cute and sweet, Lily can surely be manipulative and fierce. And Ainy Jaffri has definitely got all these checked out. Being cute yet getting her point through seems to come natural to her as she’s proved that in her many dramas. Also, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to cast Osman and Ainy opposite each other once again after their last project together.
