That’s All: Reimagining ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with a Desi Twist

Before quiet luxury became was a TikTok trend and before we knew the life-altering importance of cerulean blue, there was “The Devil Wears Prada”. The 2006 cult classic didn't just give us a peek into the high-stakes world of fashion journalism; it gave us a masterclass in power dynamics, the cost of ambition, and the terrifyingly chic Miranda Priestly. Now, with the worldwide release of the long-awaited sequel — which just stormed the global box office this May — the frenzy around the franchise has reached a fever pitch. As we watch Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway navigate a new digital era on the big screen, it leaves us wondering: if the hallowed halls of Runway magazine were moved from Manhattan to Mumbai, who would hold the metaphorical whip?

To settle the debate, we asked Ashley Rebello, Ankush Bahuguna, and Orhan Awatramani to play casting director for a day. 

Here’s what they had to say about who would step into those iconic red soles.

Ashley Rebello, Stylist

Miranda Priestly: Dimple Kapadia or Zeenat Aman

 "I definitely think Dimple Kapadia would be an ideal choice since she’s got that style and the way she carries herself. Or a Zeenat Aman. They were style icons and they’ve got that aura about them which is untouchable."

Andy Sachs: Ananya Panday 

"Someone like an Ananya Panday. She has that zing and great sense of fashion and style. She will kill it."

Nigel: Gaurav Gera or Bobby Deol 

"It’s a difficult pick. But someone like a Gaurav Gera, who’s the talk of the town. If you want someone good looking and old, Bobby Deol would be a good pick."

Emily Charlton: Kriti Sanon 

"Someone like a Kriti Sanon. That would be a great thing to see Kriti and Ananya in a film like this. Everyone in the movie is so good looking... I think Aditya Roy Kapur would ace the sweet boyfriend role."

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Ankush Bahuguna, Content Creator

Miranda Priestly: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

"Because she’s a literal Queen; her personality has that perfect mix of aura, authority, intimidation, and poise. And we know she can kill with her eyes."

Andy Sachs: Deepika Padukone

"I think she’s one of the very few people who can pull off the awkward, misfit-kinda energy Andy has pre-transformation with as much conviction as she can pull off the very ambitious and stylish post-transformation Andy."

Nigel: Akshaye Khanna

"It would be interesting to see Akshaye Khanna play Nigel. I know it’s not an obvious choice, but the man is a chameleon and his comic timing is still very underrated. I think he’d totally do justice to that character and bring in a completely different spin."

Emily Charlton: Kangana Ranaut

"Emily has to be played by someone who’s effortlessly stylish and Kangana has that innate sense of style. She’s also impeccable with her comic timing; she’d bring so much sincerity to the character that it’ll be hard not to root for her!"

Orhan Awatramani (Orry)

Miranda Priestly: Boman Irani

"Boman Irani brings a quiet, commanding authority that mirrors Miranda’s power perfectly. He doesn’t need theatrics — his stillness, sharp diction, and ability to dominate a room make him believable as someone everyone fears and respects. It’s less about gender, more about presence."

Andy Sachs: Sara Arjun

"Sara Arjun embodies the 'outsider looking in' energy. She has a natural innocence and groundedness that makes Andy’s initial awkwardness feel real."

Emily Charlton: Sara Ali Khan

"Sara Ali Khan fits Emily’s high-strung, fashion-obsessed personality with ease. Her quick delivery and expressive energy work well for Emily’s sharp humor and dramatic moments. She can balance being intimidatingly efficient while still letting the character’s insecurity peek through."

Nigel: Aryan Khan

"Aryan Khan brings a composed, understated cool that aligns with Nigel’s role as the industry insider. Nigel isn’t loud — he’s observant, stylish, and emotionally intelligent."