Stranger Things Indian Edition Dream Cast

While we’re totally excited for Stranger Things season 5, which is all set to get released this year, here’s a fun thought—what if Stranger Things were made in India? What if Netflix makes an Indian adaptation of the most-awaited series and we get to choose the perfect cast to bring our favourite characters to life?

But before that, let’s be clear— before you start throwing shade about “that’s not how it should be” or “the age doesn’t match” — this is all just for fun!

We’ve been obsessed with this show since 2016, and while we wait (im)patiently for the new season, why not get a little creative and imagine our own Indian Stranger Things cast? Sounds fun, no?

Here’s the lineup we’d love to see if Stranger Things ever went desi.

‘Stranger Things’ Indian Edition: Meet Our Dream Bollywood Cast

1. Eleven: Radhika Apte

Instagram/radhikaofficial, Netflix

Not just anyone can play Eleven—not everyone can pull off that quiet intensity and vulnerability, right? It will take a special actor to take on this role. Our pick for who could play Eleven is Radhika Apte.

Apte has always been a queen of offbeat complex roles. She just feels right for the role. Yes, Eleven needs to be pretty young, but since we’re imagining this, we can bend the rules a little.

2. Will: Ishaan Khatter

Instagram/ishaankhattar, Netflix

Will Byers is the quiet and brave heart of the group, which is why Ishaan Khatter feels like a perfect fit. Ishaan has this natural ability to bring a gentle vulnerability to his roles while still showing strength beneath the surface.

He can easily pull off Will’s mix of innocence and the weight of everything he goes through, making you root for him every step of the way.

3. Dustin: Alam Khan

Instagram/iamalamkhan, Netflix

Dustin is the lovable, quirky genius who just steals every scene, right? For the Indian version, Alam Khan totally fits the bill. You might know him from Saiyaara and Kota Factory, and he pretty much has the same infectious energy that Dustin brings to the screen.

Plus, you’ve got to be kidding me if you don’t see the resemblance! Apart from the doppelganger factor, Alam can seriously pull Dustin’s mix of innocence and cleverness effortlessly.

4. Mike: Babil Khan

Instagram/babil.i.k, Netflix

Mike is the heart and soul of the group — loyal, brave, and always the glue holding everyone together. Honestly, Babil Khan would be such a perfect fit for this role in an Indian Stranger Things.

Babil has got that sincere and earnest vibe, and watching him in Qala made us believe he was made for layered characters.

5. Lucas: Vikrant Massey

Instagram/vikrantmassey, Netflix

Lucas is practical, street smart, and the always-ready friend of the group. I feel Vikrant Massey can channel Lucas perfectly.

He can be a brave friend, but also can easily bring out the turmoil Lucas feels for Max. He’d be able to channel both sides of Lucas’s character with finesse.

6. Nancy: Pratibha Ranta

Instagram/pratibha_ranta, Netflix

Nancy is such a key part of Stranger Things — smart, determined, and brave, but also someone who’s figuring out who she really is amid all the chaos. For an Indian Stranger Things, the Laapata Ladies actress, Pratibha Ranta would be an amazing choice to play Nancy.

She’d bring the right mix of vulnerability and strength to Nancy’s character — someone who’s both relatable and inspiring. So, imagining Pratibha as Nancy? Totally makes sense and feels just right.

7. Steve Harrington: Rohit Saraf

Instagram/rohitsaraf, Netflix

Like most ST fans, Steve’s my favourite character too. His character arc has been amazing. He did start as this cocky playboy but transformed into this good guy. Don’t you think Rohit Saraf fits the bill just right?

Rohit has that natural charm and boy-next-door look that totally fits Steve’s vibe. He can easily pull off the playful vibe Steve starts with, and more importantly, he has the acting chops to show the character’s growth into someone who’s dependable and genuinely kind-hearted.

8. Max: Sanya Malhotra

Instagram/sanyamalhotra, Netflix

Max is the fearless kid who has this independent spirit. She stands her ground and is a no-nonsense character. Sanya Malhotra, for me, would be an incredible choice to play Max.

Sanya can portray complex emotions with utter ease, and she can bring the perfect mix of toughness and heart in her portrayal.

9. Joyce: Shefali Shah

Instagram/shefalishahofficial, Netflix

Joyce Byers is the fierce, determined, and endlessly loving mom who never gives up on finding her son, no matter how impossible things get. For an Indian Stranger Things, Shefali Shah feels like an absolutely perfect choice to bring Joyce to life.

Shefali has this incredible ability to portray raw emotion with such authenticity — the kind of intensity and vulnerability that makes you feel every bit of the character’s pain. Joyce’s journey is full of heart-wrenching moments, but also incredible courage, and we know Shefali can carry all those layers effortlessly.

10. Jim Hopper: Jaideep Ahlawat

Instagram/jaideepahlawat, Netflix

Jaideep Ahlawat can play Jim Hopper so wonderfully! He has this great range and he can easily portray the broodiness and warmth of Hopper’s character.

Plus, Jaideep’s commanding screen presence would make him perfect as the sheriff trying to keep everything under control while battling his demons.

Think we missed any of your favourite characters? Drop a comment below and tell us who you’d cast for them!

Social and lead image credits: Netflix

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