It’s been a full ten years since Zoya Akhtar’s critically acclaimed film Dil Dhadakne Do graced the silver screen, and even today, the film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans and those who brought it to life. As the celebrated ensemble film marks its 10th anniversary, two of its most prominent cast members — Farhan Akhtar and Anil Kapoor — took to social media to share heartfelt messages, looking back on the experience that turned into a cinematic milestone.
Dil Dhadakne Do, which released in 2015, was not just a film about a high-society cruise trip — it was a layered exploration of family dynamics, suppressed emotions, unspoken conflicts, and the longing for freedom. Starring an ensemble cast including Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Shefali Shah, Farhan Akhtar, and Anil Kapoor, the film became iconic for its sharp writing, memorable performances, and the way it blended humor with emotionally powerful storytelling.
Farhan Akhtar, who played the role of the free-spirited journalist Sunny Gill, posted a moving tribute, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photographs from the sets and warm moments with the cast. In his message, Farhan recalled how the film challenged traditional definitions of relationships and encouraged audiences to listen to their hearts, just as the title suggests. “10 years since we set sail on the Dil Dhadakne Do journey. A film that celebrated imperfections, questioned norms, and gave voice to a generation struggling between expectations and self-worth. Grateful to have been a part of this incredible story,” he wrote.
Farhan, who is also one of the producers of the film through Excel Entertainment, praised director Zoya Akhtar for crafting a narrative that was both entertaining and deeply introspective. He reflected on how the film continues to resonate with viewers who see parts of themselves in the Mehra family — flawed, conflicted, but ultimately seeking love and understanding.
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who played the dominating yet vulnerable patriarch Kamal Mehra, also shared an emotional note. Along with a series of throwback pictures and a video montage from the film, Kapoor wrote, “It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Dil Dhadakne Do. This film was more than just a project — it was a deeply personal journey for all of us. Kamal Mehra may have had his flaws, but he represented a generation of men conditioned by tradition, struggling to understand the voices of the new world. It was an honour to portray such a complex character.”
Anil Kapoor went on to appreciate the entire cast and crew, expressing how the film became a family off-screen as well. “From Zoya’s visionary direction to the infectious energy Ranveer brought, the elegance of Priyanka, the emotional depth Shefali brought as Neelam, and Farhan’s quiet strength — every piece came together in a way that created magic,” he added.
Fans of the film have also flooded social media with tributes, clips, and favorite dialogues from the movie, making #10YearsOfDilDhadakneDo a trending hashtag. Viewers recalled the memorable cruise sequences, the quirky narration by Aamir Khan (who voiced the family’s dog, Pluto), and how the film tackled issues like gender expectations, unhappy marriages, parental control, and the search for identity.
The film’s music, composed by the trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, also remains evergreen. Songs like “Gallan Goodiyan”, “Dil Dhadakne Do”, and “Pehli Baar” have become nostalgic anthems for many, often associated with freedom, celebration, and youthful rebellion.
Looking back, Dil Dhadakne Do wasn’t just a story about a wealthy family’s vacation — it was a mirror held up to countless Indian families, making them laugh, cry, and most importantly, reflect. As Farhan Akhtar and Anil Kapoor revisit their memories, it’s evident that the film continues to live on, not just in its dialogues or its music, but in the emotional space it created for its audience.
As the team celebrates this milestone, fans can only hope that the cast and crew reunite someday — perhaps for another adventure, another heartwarming tale, and another opportunity to remind us that sometimes, listening to your heart is the most courageous thing you can do.
