'Dil Chahta Hai' turns 23: How the film blazed the trail for portraying urban 'male friendships' in Bollywood

On August 10, 2024, Dil Chahta Hai celebrated its 23rd anniversary—a milestone that invites reflection on how this iconic film reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema. Directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, the film marked a significant departure from traditional Bollywood narratives, introducing a fresh perspective on urban life, friendships, and relationships. As the years have passed, Dil Chahta Hai has continued to resonate with audiences, becoming a cultural touchstone that paved the way for a new genre of films exploring male camaraderie and contemporary urban existence.

A New Era of Storytelling: The Birth of Modern Friendships on Screen

Before Dil Chahta Hai, Bollywood's portrayal of male friendships often leaned heavily on melodrama, with exaggerated conflicts and emotional resolutions. The friendships in these films were deeply rooted in rural or small-town settings, emphasizing loyalty and sacrifice above all. However, Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut introduced a different kind of friendship—one that was relatable, modern, and distinctly urban.

Set against the vibrant backdrops of Mumbai, Goa, and Sydney, Dil Chahta Hai follows the lives of three young men as they navigate love, career aspirations, and their evolving relationships with one another. Aamir Khan’s carefree and impulsive Akash, Saif Ali Khan’s affable and flirtatious Sameer, and Akshaye Khanna’s introspective and artistic Siddharth represent three distinct personalities, yet their bond is the film’s emotional core.

Farhan Akhtar’s nuanced portrayal of these characters marked a significant shift in Bollywood’s storytelling. Instead of relying on external conflicts, the film delves into the internal struggles of its protagonists—their fears, insecurities, and emotional vulnerabilities. The friendship between Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth feels real and lived-in, capturing the complexities and contradictions that define relationships in urban life.

The Urban Milieu: A New Playground for Bollywood

One of the most striking aspects of Dil Chahta Hai is its setting. The film’s depiction of Mumbai, Goa, and Sydney was revolutionary in its time, offering a glamorous yet authentic portrayal of urban life. The characters’ lifestyles—their homes, hangout spots, and fashion choices—were aspirational yet relatable, reflecting the aspirations of a new generation of Indians.

The film’s visuals, too, played a crucial role in establishing its unique tone. The sun-kissed beaches of Goa, the bustling streets of Mumbai, and the cosmopolitan allure of Sydney provided a vibrant canvas that brought the characters’ world to life. The film’s use of natural light, minimalistic production design, and innovative camera angles gave it a fresh, modern look that set it apart from the grandiose sets and exaggerated lighting schemes typical of Bollywood at the time.

Paving the Way for Future Films

The impact of Dil Chahta Hai on Bollywood cannot be overstated. It was the first film of its kind to explore the dynamics of male friendships in an urban setting, and it set the stage for a slew of similar films that followed.

Films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Rock On!! (2008), both directed by Farhan Akhtar’s sister, Zoya Akhtar, owe a significant debt to Dil Chahta Hai. These films, like their predecessor, explored the lives of young, urban men as they navigated personal and professional challenges, with friendship serving as the central theme.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, in particular, can be seen as a spiritual successor to Dil Chahta Hai. The film’s portrayal of three friends embarking on a road trip through Spain echoed the earlier film’s depiction of a trip to Goa. The themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the importance of living in the moment were central to both films, and both struck a chord with audiences who saw their own lives reflected on screen.

Similarly, films like 3 Idiots (2009), Desi Boyz (2011), and Delhi Belly (2011) continued the trend of exploring male friendships in a contemporary, urban context. These films, while differing in tone and style, all drew inspiration from Dil Chahta Hai in their portrayal of camaraderie, humor, and the challenges of modern life.

Interpersonal Relationships: A Realistic Portrayal

At its heart, Dil Chahta Hai is a film about relationships—between friends, lovers, and family. What set it apart was the authenticity with which these relationships were portrayed. The film did not shy away from showing the complexities and imperfections that define human connections.

Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth’s friendship is not without its challenges. The differences in their personalities lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, but these are resolved not through grand gestures or dramatic confrontations, but through honest conversations and introspection. The film’s climax, where Akash acknowledges his mistake and apologizes to Siddharth, is a moment of quiet catharsis, a testament to the strength of their bond.

The film also offered a mature portrayal of romantic relationships. Akash’s initial reluctance to commit to a relationship, Sameer’s tendency to fall in love too easily, and Siddharth’s unrequited love for an older woman were all explored with sensitivity and nuance. Farhan Akhtar eschewed the melodrama and exaggerated emotions typical of Bollywood romances, opting instead for a more realistic depiction of love and heartbreak.

Farhan Akhtar’s vision, combined with stellar performances, iconic music, and a relatable narrative, created a film that has stood the test of time. As we celebrate 23 years of Dil Chahta Hai, we also acknowledge its lasting impact on Indian cinema and its role in shaping a new genre of films that continue to captivate audiences.