Reimagining 'Friends': Who'd play who if the iconic show was remade in Pakistan

Pakistani actors would have some pretty big shoes to fill

KARACHI:

Friends, for many, has been a staple watch. There’s just something about this New York-based show that revolves around the lives of six friends that clicked with people, regardless of age. Despite first airing in 1994, the legacy of the show lives on, with Netflix watches and reruns raking the original cast members hoards of cash to date. 

On the surface, the concept of Friends was simple enough. It was a deep dive into the leap from childhood to adulthood - a part of stories one misses when high school dramas run their course, or corporates in suits tackle the pressures of work. Friends had something for everyone, which is why it’s still one of the most-watched shows around the world.

However, what if the same show was made in Pakistan? An exploration of relationships of that scale would not only be intriguing - it could be the exact welcome break that the landscape of television currently needs. Let’s say Friends was remade in Pakistan, though. Who would step in to fill the gigantic shoes of the original cast? Here are some of our picks:

Ahad Raza Mir as Ross Geller

While Ross may want to come across as a complex guy, at the end of the day, he’s a momma’s boy with questionable morals - no matter how much he insists on breaks. It would be an intriguing fit for the brooding Ahad Raza Mir, who could weave in and out of Ross’ occasional charm, his way with the ladies (seriously, Ross dated a lot of attractive women) and the eventual downward spiral of the character. 

Ahad’s got the looks and acting chops. Moreover, it would be an absolute treat to watch him embody the partially caring, yet often petty Ross Geller. It would also give him more room to experiment with comedy, which is always a challenging role to take on for any actor.

Syra Yousuf as Rachel Green

The ever-youthful Syra Yousuf has a lot to offer as Rachel. Impeccably styled, we could definitely see Rachel’s innate sense of fashion coming naturally to Syra. Moreover, there is a certain spark that is ignited in Rachel once she leaves a smothering situation that Syra could embody exceptionally well. 

While Rachel may come across as superficial, life plays her a hand - despite immense privilege - that adds layers to her persona and leads to an internal revolution. From being a pushover, daddy’s girl, Rachel transfigures into a woman of substance, vigour, and experience. Moreover, as much as she fears motherhood, she steps into the role with natural grace. 

Without a shadow of a doubt, Syra could embody the complexities of Rachel with immense ease. Besides, it would be highly intriguing to watch her will-they-won’t-they play out with Ahad Raza Mir. 

Saboor Aly as Monica Geller

She’s snappy, funny, witty, and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself when necessary. If you’re unsure about whether this description applies to Saboor or Monica, you’re already halfway convinced. Monica undergoes an evolution through the series that is unlike anyone else’s. Even though Monica starts off as a timid, privileged kid, paying her dues with odd jobs and failing at love, she eventually bursts forth like a phoenix who is a commanding go-getter. 

Her ups and downs with the process of love lead her to find an unlikely partner in a friend after immense heartbreak, and her struggle with motherhood is equally heartbreaking and rewarding. While it may be quite a tall order for Saboor, it would present the perfect challenge that is her’s to conquer. 

Osman Khalid Butt as Chandler Bing

If there was ever a character tailor-made for OKB, it’s Chandler. A quick scroll through Osman’s old YouTube videos, and his current Twitter timeline, is a testament to the same. The similarities between Osman and Chandler are too many to ignore, and the role would fit him like a glove.

It would give Osman to reprise his quirky, funny characters of the past with an even more sarcastic tinge - something fans have already come to adore. Moreover, it would be intriguing to see him play out Chandler’s personality evolution as well. It’s also interesting to note that OKB and Saboor might just be perfect fits for the friends-to-lovers arc that plays out between Monica and Chandler. 

Bilal Abbas Khan as Joey Tribbiani

He’s got the hair and looks for the part. His aura draws you in. A fan-favourite like no other, he’s multi-faceted and gives a lot to his roles. Therefore, watching Bilal embody the laid-back, ladies' man from the hit show could actually be a treat. 

Bilal has already proven his grit by giving audiences intensity, humour, villainous arcs, and romance. Perhaps, it’s time he does less of the heavy lifting in a show, playing the goofy, approachable, loyal, food-loving Joey Tribbiani. 

Hania Aamir as Phoebe Buffay

In so many ways, Hania Aamir embodies Phoebe Buffay on a daily basis. Whether it’s in her YouTube vlogs, or her random and hilarious Instagram posts and stories, Hania is out here living the Phoebe life without being paid for it.

Similarly, while there is a lot more to Phoebe than her quirks, there is also a lot more to Hania than her online antics. She’s proven her mettle as a star, despite a plethora of online trolling. She’s had her fair share of struggles that have played out quite publicly, and there’s a fair bit of character development that transpires when that happens.

Phoebe has her fair share of mind-boggling traumas that are often underplayed or joked about, which is actually the ace up the character’s sleeve. Phoebe turns her trauma into humour and never lets life get her down, despite her struggle with love her entire life. It would be an absolute treat to watch Hania play this iconic character and give it her own special twist.

All in all, the Pakistani version of Friends could shape up to be quite a compelling watch. With a promising cast and a plot that has proven its substance for nearly three decades, this project could be what we all need right now.

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