As Dil Chahta Hai completes 25 years, director Farhan Akhtar reveals two key changes he would make to Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna’s characters if he made the film today.
When Dil Chahta Hai hit the big screen in August 2001, it completely transformed how urban youth and modern friendships were portrayed in Hindi cinema. Directed by a young Farhan Akhtar, the film introduced audiences to Akash, Sameer, and Sid—three distinct best friends whose lives, loves, and Goa road trip defined an entire generation.
Today, as the iconic film celebrates 25 years of legacy, Farhan recently took a nostalgic trip back to his directorial debut during the closing night of the Monsoon Film Festival, curated with The Hollywood Reporter India and Nilaya Anthology.
He reflected on his journey, and shared that if he were to make the movie today, there are two specific story beats he would tweak.
Farhan said that the first change would be the dramatic ending of the love story between Akash (Aamir Khan) and Shalini (Preity Zinta). Many fans love the big wedding scene where Akash admits his love, but Farhan feels he made that moment a little too dramatic. He explained that while the scene works well, the way he filmed it feels a bit different from the rest of the realistic movie. If he made it today, he would keep that moment much simpler and less dramatic.
Also, Farhan added that he would change how the story ends for Sid (Akshaye Khanna) after losing Tara (Dimple Kapadia). At the end of the film, Sid meets a new girl, showing that he might find love again. But Farhan now thinks Sid did not need a new love story to be happy. He said that Sid was already at peace with his life and did not need to meet someone new to have a good ending.
Do you agree with Farhan’s thoughts?
