As Dil Chahta Hai celebrates its 25th anniversary, the film remains one of the most loved projects in the history of Bollywood. While audiences have cherished the movie for over two decades, those who worked on it remember the filming process as an equally memorable experience. In a recent conversation with Variety India, Saif Ali Khan talked about the making of the iconic film, highlighting the camaraderie, the legendary Goa schedule, and the effortless vision of director Farhan Akhtar.
Released in 2001, Dil Chahta Hai served as a turning point in Hindi cinema. It offered a fresh, coming-of-age narrative that redefined how friendship was portrayed on screen. It is based the lives of three friends, Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan), and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna), as they navigated love, heartbreak, and the transition into adulthood. The film struck a chord with its realism and modern sensibility especially amongst the young audience.
Sharing his memories of the location shoot, Saif Ali Khan said, “It was insane. I think it was the most fun because it was Goa, and we were very young.” He recalled the balance between work and leisure, adding, “We shot on the beach and we partied as well. I remember we tried almost every restaurant in Goa. And because we were all so young, we had the energy to eat, drink, party and then come back for a shoot.”
Saif credited the light-hearted nature of the set to Farhan’s directorial style. Praising him, he said, “We were laughing most of the time because Farhan wore it all very lightly. It was like he was born to direct, with the ease with which he was on a set.” According to Saif, the working process was efficient and tension-free. He recalled, “We were just told to know our lines. No figuring it out once you get there. Just learn your lines and then the rest was great fun.”
Upon its release, the film was praised for its sharp writing, relatable character arcs, and stylish direction. Twenty-five years later, the film remains a cult favourite, particularly among urban youth for its relatable and timeless vibe.
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