As 'Dil Chahta Hai' approaches its 25th anniversary in August 2026, excitement among fans is already building. Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut, starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, captivated audiences with its ahead-of-its-time storytelling. The film's catchy music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Aamir's iconic hairstyle, and the picturesque Goa setting inspired a generation of filmmakers in the early 2000s. With the milestone anniversary near, Saif Ali Khan is taking a trip down memory lane, fondly recalling the shoot as a time of great friendships, fun, and a new approach to filmmaking.
Saif Ali Khan Recalls the Fun-Filled Shoot of 'Dil Chahta Hai' in Goa
Saif happily looked back at the making of 'Dil Chahta Hai', calling it one of the most fun experiences of his life. In an interview with Variety India, he said, 'It was insane. I think it was the most fun because it was Goa, and we were very young.' He also talked about how the cast enjoyed their time in Goa when not shooting. '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,' he recalls.
Saif Ali Khan Praises Farhan Akhtar for His Effortless Direction
The actor gave Farhan a lot of credit for keeping the set atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable, heaping praise on the director for his effortless approach to filmmaking. 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.' Saif also recalled the absence of stress or tension during the shoot, adding, '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.'
All About 'Dil Chahta Hai'
'Dil Chahta Hai' (2001) changed the way Hindi cinema told stories about friendship and growing up. The film revolved around three best friends: Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan), and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna), taking audiences through their journey of love, heartbreak, and life after college. Set against the lively backdrop of urban India, the film portrayed relationships and emotions in a way that felt real, relatable, and way ahead of its time.
