You might say Indian renditions of foreign TV shows have been fairly successful.
Whether it’s Anil Kapoor’s action drama 24 or reality shows like Bigg Boss (inspired from Big Brother) and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa (inspired from Dancing with the Stars), the small screen audiences of India have become receptive to Hindi versions of popular international shows.
Therefore, a dramatic, overwhelming, tear inducing and downright entertaining show like Grey’s Anatomy can definitely aim for glory!
This creation of Shonda Rhimes is known for its absolutely powerful characters – and such demanding characterisation calls for some sophisticated casting.
Here’s a list of Bollywood stars we believe would ace it in the Indian version of Grey’s Anatomy:
Deepika Padukone as Meredith Grey
We’ve seen her as a career driven woman in Piku, an erratic lover in Cocktail and a headstrong leader in Ram Leela. She is the Meredith Grey that the Indian Grey’s Anatomy will need to stay on air for 12 seasons and still have audiences hooked.
Needless to say, the seamlessly talented Miss Padukone can carry this show on her two shoulders in the effortless manner in which she delivers ALL her diverse performances.
Farhan Akhtar as Derek Shepherd
A charming, humble, skilled and driven doctor who is as passionate about medicine as he is about the woman of his dreams, who else could fit the role as perfectly as Farhan Akhtar?
His disarming smile and edgy voice are enough to have women gushing over him – but add a doctor’s scrubs to the picture and brace for what you’ve unleashed on Indian women!
Amitabh Bachchan as Richard Webber
Richard Webber is the wise old guardian of the hospital – he protects the place like it’s his child. If Bollywood has ever known an iconic father figure, it’s Mr Bachchan.
Webber’s fatherly demeanour towards Grey would be perfectly mirrored in the Piku-like chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. Score!
Jaya Bachchan as Adele Webber
Need we explain why Richard’s support system will be played best by the wife of the superstar himself?
Kangana Ranaut as Cristina Yang
A feisty and focused young woman whose life revolves around her ambitions. If that ain’t the Queen of Bollywood, we don’t know who is!
Besides, we predict incredible on-screen chemistry between Padukone and Ranaut (two actresses who’ve never been featured before). That friendship, even if reel, would be worth tuning into for ten years – and more!
Randeep Hooda as Alex Karev
Aditi Roy Haidari as Izzie Stevens
Here’s to that wide-eyed, optimistic girl who believes carbs don’t count if no one’s looking while you’re eating them. Haidari’s beautiful big eyes and that air of wishful thinking about her will have audiences tearing up as she falls for a patient – and then loses him.
Sushant Singh Rajput as Denny Duquette
Sushant’s expressive eyes and lively smile are not the only things that clinch a role for him as Izzie Stevens’ forbidden love on the show. This TV show actor-turned Bollywood star has made audiences cry in the past – and can do it again with even a brief appearance.
Arjun Rampal as Mark Sloan
Derek Shepherd’s best friend has to be played by one of his closest friends in real life –it is only fitting. (Not discounting the fact that he is a total heartthrob.)
Alia Bhatt as Lexie Grey
The darling of the show can only be played by the darling of Bollywood. Picture to yourself Alia as Deepika’s little sister and tell us it doesn’t sit right. You can’t.
Shah Rukh Khan as Owen Hunt
Ex-soldier and Christina Yang’s love interest who eventually becomes the hospital chief – King Khan will reign over this one like he does our hearts.
Are you also picturing Farhan, Arjun and Shah Rukh in the same space, within closed hospital cubicles?
Emergencies will happen, not necessarily medical.
(Akanksha Baradiya is a student, reader, closeted writer and aspiring world traveller. She also hopes to be somebody’s source of inspiration someday.)