As actor, filmmaker, and musician Farhan Akhtar celebrates his 50th birthday, he’s taking a heartfelt trip down memory lane — reflecting on the film that not only launched his career but also redefined modern Indian cinema: Dil Chahta Hai. The cult classic, which released in 2001, marked Farhan’s directorial debut when he was just 25 years old, and its success, he says, “gave me this life.”
In a recent interview, Farhan spoke candidly about how Dil Chahta Hai became the cornerstone of his career and set the tone for everything that followed. “I was very young, just 25, when I made Dil Chahta Hai. I had no idea how people would respond to it. I only knew I wanted to tell a story that felt real, modern, and honest to the people of my generation,” he said. “Looking back now, I can only say one thing — that film gave me everything. It gave me a purpose, a direction, and a life I continue to live and love.”
Released over two decades ago, Dil Chahta Hai — starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna — remains a defining film in Bollywood history. It was praised for its relatable portrayal of friendship, love, and growing up, and for its refreshing storytelling style that broke away from the melodrama typical of Hindi cinema at the time. The film’s realistic dialogue, modern aesthetic, and innovative narrative approach resonated deeply with urban audiences, influencing an entire generation of filmmakers and viewers.
Farhan, reflecting on the film’s enduring impact, said, “It’s humbling that even after all these years, people still talk about Dil Chahta Hai with so much love. I often meet young people who weren’t even born when the film came out, and they tell me it’s one of their favorites. That, to me, is the true reward of storytelling — when it continues to connect beyond time.”
The filmmaker also spoke about the challenges he faced as a first-time director. Coming from a family deeply rooted in cinema — as the son of lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and writer Honey Irani — expectations were high. But Farhan carved his own niche, choosing authenticity over formula. “I didn’t want to make something grand or loud. I just wanted to capture the small moments — the silences, the conversations, the laughter among friends. I think that honesty is what people connected with,” he said.
Over the years, Farhan Akhtar has worn many hats — actor, singer, producer, and writer — delivering acclaimed performances in films like Rock On!!, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Toofan, while also directing and producing hits under his banner Excel Entertainment. Yet, he admits that Dil Chahta Hai remains closest to his heart. “It wasn’t just a movie — it was the beginning of everything. Every project I’ve done since has a bit of Dil Chahta Hai in it. It taught me to trust my instincts and to always make art that feels true,” he shared.
Now, as Farhan steps into his 50s, he says he feels more grateful than ever. “At 25, I was full of dreams and energy. At 50, I feel full of gratitude — for the people, the experiences, and the opportunities this journey has given me. Dil Chahta Hai gave me a life that I couldn’t have imagined back then.”
Farhan is currently working on his next directorial project, Jee Le Zaraa, which stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif — a film that many believe could do for female friendships what Dil Chahta Hai did for men’s.
As fans celebrate Farhan’s milestone birthday, one thing is clear: two and a half decades later, the spirit of Dil Chahta Hai — its youthfulness, freedom, and honesty — still lives on in the filmmaker who created it.
