9 desi actors who could believably play Aladdin

Disney's remake of Aladdin seems to have hit a roadblock. According to reports, filmmakers of the upcoming live-action remake can't seem to find anyone in South Asia for the lead roles.

Ahem. We repeat, Disney is still struggling to find 20-year-olds who can act, sing and dance... in South Asia.

Honestly, from a pool of 2,000 auditions, there wasn't one that fit into the role of Aladdin, not even from Bollywood or our local industry?

Since we grew up with Disney films and we know the local and international entertainment industry well, we're going to help Guy Ritchie out here and give him a few options from which he can choose.

Here's our list of actors who'd fit the role of Aladdin like a hand in a glove.

Riz Ahmed

This British actor is as charming as one gets. He was one of the actors considered for the role of Aladdin, however, the filmmakers wanted a newcomer. We'd like them to re-consider this decision; not only does Riz have the looks to play the lead but he is also very charismatic and has an on screen presence (The Reluctant Fundamentalist, people!). Chants: Reconsider! Reconsider!

Hasan Minhaj

You know they say that smart, funny and cute always makes the cut? Well, that's Hasan Minhaj for ya. He can play Aladdin effortlessly without a sliver of a doubt.

Dev Patel

Dev is the other actor directors were considering for Aladdin, but won't cast. However we would like to remind them how well he acted in Lion (2016) and A Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and he could work as the lead. Definitely.

Sheheryar Munawar

Sheheryar Munawar won us over in Ho Mann Jahaan, he was charming (is in-person too!), rebellious AND he tried stealing his best friend's girl. We think he'll totally work as the lead. Plus his hair is totally Aladdin. You see the curl on his forehead? Yeaaah. We see it happening too. Guy Ritchie, make this happen.

Sidharth Malhotra

Sid is kinda cute and he'll win any Jasmine over with that killer smile of his. How do you think he manages to steal Alia's heart in Student of the Year, Kapoor & Sons and in real life? C'mon, that's a lot of charm.

Mohib Mirza

He is dark, brooding and oozing charm. The actor has not disappointed onscreen either. He's shown great versatility from playing serious roles (in film Dukhtar) to comic roles (in film Bachaana) with ease. He could definitely work his magic onscreen as Aladdin.

Fahad Mustafa

Fahad Mustafa is super charismatic and we've seen it on his show 'Jeeto Pakistan', also, he's got the look down, remember Mah-e-Meer? He could work the topi. No, seriously though. He could work as Aladdin, especially since he has a funny side.

Ranveer Singh

Granted he's got a lot of energy (a bit too much), but how else do you expect someone to jump off roofs like Aladdin? We think Ranveer's got the charm and the looks to make the perfect street rat. Disney is definitely looking in all the wrong places.

Imran Khan

Have you seen Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)? Imran's got lots of charm and is cuteness overload. Princess Jasmine will swoon if she's with him. Though we're not sure he'll fit the part of the street rat.