Some of the Indian rom-coms have given us immemorable characters who live in our minds rent free. But some of these films have also given us some unforgettable side characters who have also left an indelible mark on us as an audience. Here are eight such charming and fun characters who absolutely deserve their own spinoffs:
1. Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi Ji from ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ Series
Pappi Ji (Deepak Dobriyal), with his hilarious one-liners, loyal friendship, and love troubles, steals the show in every scene. A spinoff focusing on Pappi Ji’s life in small-town India and his hilarious misadventures would be a laugh riot and a heartwarming tale.
2. Lisa Haydon as Vijaylakshmi from ‘Queen’
Lisa Haydon as Vijaylakshmi is every traveller’s free-spirited dream. A separate series following her adventures as a carefree, globe-trotting bartender in Paris would be an exploration of self-love, culture clashes, and spontaneous adventures that celebrate life.
3. Saumya Tandon as Roop from ‘Jab We Met’
Geet’s cousin, Roop (played by Saumya Tandon), has a poised and grounded personality that contrasts Geet’s vivaciousness. A spinoff could explore her own love story or delve into her life after Geet’s dramatic elopement, showing how she balances family expectations with personal desires.
4. Fawad Khan as Rahul Kapoor from ‘Kapoor & Sons’
Rahul is a deeply layered character who embodies the complexities of familial expectations and personal identity. A more focused story could explore his journey as an artist and his life outside the Kapoor family, diving deeper into themes of self-discovery and inclusivity.
5. Ali Fazal as Zafar from ‘Fukrey’
Zafar’s calm demeanor contrasted with the chaos of the ‘Fukrey’ gang, making him an intriguing figure. His backstory—as a struggling musician navigating the underbelly of Delhi while juggling his personal struggles—could make for an emotionally rich and musically vibrant tale.
6. Shikha Talsania as Lakshmi from ‘Wake up Sid’
Lakshmi played by Shikha Talsania was a cheerful and supportive best friend of Sid and a character with unexplored depth. A spinoff could centre on her navigating the challenges of her life as a body positivity role model.
7. Anushka Sharma as Farah Ali from ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’
Farah played by Anushka Sharma is a dynamic and ambitious woman breaking societal expectations and living her dream of becoming a dancer. A spinoff could explore her life before she met the Mehra family on the cruise, diving into her personal world and her struggles.
8. Rajkummar Rao as Pritam Vidrohi from ‘Bareilly ki Barfi’
Pritam Vidrohi aka Rajkummar Rao is a masterclass in duality. How a shy saree salesman turns into a boisterous, overconfident rogue was the best part of the movie. And we would love to watch a spin-off that could explore more about the character and how he finds his true self.
All these characters really are etched in our hearts and minds as much as the protagonists or may be in some cases more than them. Can someone please take these ideas to the producers? Blink!!!
