‘Don’t know fashion or luxury’: Sonali Kulkarni recalls initial fear on Dil Chahta Hai sets

Sonali Kulkarni recalls the initial fear she had on sets of Dil Chahta Hai, her debut Hindi film. The 2001 directorial debut by Farhan Akhtar completes 25 years since its release. The film starred Sonali as Pooja, the love interest of Saif Ali Khan's character Sameer. Zoya Akhtar, Farhan's sister and the film's casting director, played a significant role in Sonali's casting.

Zoya was initially skeptical about Sonali's appearance, as she didn't look like the fashion-forward actress she portrayed. However, once they started working together, Zoya appreciated Sonali's passion and grounded nature. Sonali was apprehensive about fitting in on the set, given her background from Pune, a small town in Maharashtra.

However, she was relieved to find a supportive team, including costume designer Arjun Bhasin, hairstylists Adhuna and Avan, and director Farah Khan. The film's discipline, punctuality, and meticulous planning made the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. Sonali also praised Saif Ali Khan's professionalism on set, noting that he carried his own music to create a pleasant atmosphere.

The movie marked a turning point in both Sonali's and Saif's careers, leading to their subsequent collaborations and success in mainstream Hindi cinema.