8 non-white actors who'd make a better Rumi than Leonardo DiCaprio

Not all great actors are white, Hollywood

Oscar-winning screenwriter David Franzoni sparked outrage on Twitter after revealing his desire to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as Jalaluddin Rumi for a biopic on the Sufi mystic.

While many believe DiCaprio's ace acting skills will do justice to the role of Rumi, others resent the fact that a white actor is to be chosen to play a Persian character.



Here is a list of non-white actors who we believe should play Rumi because we're pretty sure they'd fit the part better than Leo.

1. Naseeruddin Shah

The Dirty Picture star has created waves in Bollywood with his killer acting skills. Not only can Naseeruddin nail the role of Rumi, he can also pass as a Persian man.

Naseeruddin has experience in films as well as theatre. PHOTO: INDIATODAY

2. Fahad Mustafa

Fahad recently shined in the role of Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir, in Anjum Shahzad's Mah-e-Mir. We think he would do just as well playing Rumi.

Fahad played Urdu poet, Mir Taqi Mir. PHOTO: FEED.PK

3. Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir's excellent performance and transformation in Rockstar proves that the Bollywood actor would do justice to the role of the Sufi poet.

Screengrab of Ranbir from 'Rockstar.'

4. Hamza Ali Abbasi

Not only does the Jawani Phir Nahi Aani star have the looks for a Persian poet, he has the skills to take on such a challenging role.

Hamza Ali Abbasi has the looks to pass as Persian. PHOTO: GLOBALEMAG.COM

5. Ali Zafar

Being a musician and actor, Ali has the perfect combination of skills to deliver a great performance.

The Kill Dil star is a singer and actor. PHOTO: FILMFARE

6. Fawad Khan

Fawad has created waves across South Asia with his impeccable acting, and willingness to take on challenging roles. The Kapoor & Sons actor's musical background, as well as his acting skills make him a great fit for the role of Rumi.

Fawad's musical background will aid him in the role. PHOTO: TUMBLR

7. Riz Ahmed

English actor and rapper, Riz Ahmed's powerful performance in The Reluctant Fundamentalist -- which had a soundtrack filled with traditional Sufi songs -- proves his versatility and potential to play Rumi effectively.

Riz Ahmed, though British, is of Pakistani descent. PHOTO: IBTIMES.CO.UK

8. Hrithik Roshan

The Kites star definitely has the looks to play Rumi. After playing a variety of roles such as a magician in Guzaarish, and a mentally disabled man in Koi Mil Gaya, playing a poet should be a breeze for Hrithik.



Hrithik Roshan's sharp features can transform him into the Sufi poet. PHOTO: FILMIBEAT.COM

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