20 years of Dil Chahta Hai: Aamir Khan recalls working with first-time director Farhan Akhtar; ‘He was sure footed’

The handsome and very talented Farhan Akhtar began his journey in Hindi cinema as a filmmaker much before wooing us with his killer acting chops. His first film Dil Chahta Hai, starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia, was the perfect directorial debut which not only broke cultural barriers but also became a landmark in the careers of the entire cast. It has been exactly 20 years since Dil Chahta Hai released on the big screen, and it continues to be one of the most iconic films that Bollywood has ever seen.

In an interview with ETimes, Aamir described Dil Chahta Hai as one of his most memorable films. He shared, “I loved the script, and I felt that Farhan was coming in with a completely fresh look at everything. His own vision and voice. As a result, 'Dil Chahta Hai' will always be remembered as a film that broke a lot of conventions in Indian cinema. I was working with a first-time director, but never once did it feel like that. Farhan was confident and personified. He was sure footed and completely in control. What a debut Farhan and Ritesh!”

Dil Chahta Hai focuses on the story of three college graduates-- Akash, Sameer and Sid. They are best of friends despite having vastly different personalities. While Akash, portrayed by Aamir, won hearts as the fun loving friend who does not believe in the concept of love, Sameer aka Saif left us in splits as the pal who is always ready for a relationship. However it was Sid, played beautifully by Akshaye, who left us swooning as the perfect friend- mature, sensitive and caring.

What is your favorite thing about Dil Chahta Hai?