‘Lot of rejections’: Farhan Akhtar on Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan refusing Dil Chahta Hai

It has been 25 years since the release of Dil Chahta Hai, and the film continues to be celebrated for its unique take on friendship, youth, and urban India. Writer-director Farhan Akhtar looks back on the film's success with gratitude, noting that when someone creates a film, especially their first, they have no idea how it will impact audiences.

The film broke the clutter of the time, and Akhtar was fortunate to have the environment that allowed it to thrive. He initially wanted Akshaye Khanna, Hrithik Roshan, and Abhishek Bachchan to play the lead roles, but faced numerous rejections. The cast members who ultimately agreed to the project, including Akshaye and Preity Zinta, were crucial to the film's success.

The film's crew was assembled based on instinct and a shared vision, with Ravi K. Chandran, Suzanne Caplan Merwanji, Arjun Bhasin, and Farhan Akhtar working together to create a distinct look and feel. The film's emotional core lies in its celebration of friendship and the journey from immaturity to maturity. While the women characters may have had less screen time, none were portrayed as weak, and each had a significant impact on the relationships of the male protagonists.