Did you know Aamir Khan and Saif Ali Khan almost didn't star in Dil Chahta Hai?

It’s hard to imagine Dil Chahta Hai without Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. But 25 years ago, Farhan Akhtar had a different trio in mind. As the film celebrates 25 years on August 10, we’re revisiting an old interview where he talked about his original casting choices.Speaking to &pictures, he had said that Aamir and Saif weren't his first choices for the film. Akshaye, however, was always part of the plan.Farhan, who made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai, revealed that he had initially approached Akshaye to play Akash, the role eventually essayed by Aamir Khan. Aamir, meanwhile, was initially considered for Siddharth, which went to Akshaye.When Aamir wanted to play AkashRecalling how the casting puzzle came together, Farhan said, "When I thought about whom to cast in this film, my first choice was Akshaye Khanna, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan. They were my first three choices. Out of those three, the only person I got to do the film was Akshaye."Farhan said he first met Akshaye with the idea of casting him as Akash. Things changed when he met Aamir, who had a different role in mind."For actually the part that Akshaye played, I met him for the role of Siddharth. He said, 'I am doing two to three serious films, so I would like to do a slightly light-hearted role. So can I play Akash? I really liked the script, but I would like to play Akash,'" Farhan recalled.That left Farhan with a casting conundrum. He went back to Akshaye and told him that Aamir wanted to come on board, but preferred to play Akash. Farhan then asked Akshaye if he would consider taking another role.Akshaye, however, was simply keen to be part of the film.According to Farhan, Akshaye told him, "I just want to do the film. You make me Sameer, make me Sid, make me anything."And that was how the trio finally came together – Aamir as Akash, Saif Ali Khan as Sameer and Akshaye as Siddharth.25 years of Dil Chahta HaiReleased on August 10, 2001, Dil Chahta Hai followed three close friends as they navigated love, adulthood and the changing dynamics of their friendship. Set against an urban backdrop and driven by natural conversations, understated emotions and a distinctly youthful aesthetic, the film offered a different take on friendship and growing up.Made on a reported budget of Rs 14 crore, the film earned Rs 20.02 crore nett in India and around Rs 39.72 crore worldwide, according to Box Office India. It later earned Farhan the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.25 years on, the film remains closely associated with the friendship, road trips, Goa holidays and growing pains of its three leads.- EndsPublished On: Aug 10, 2026 13:11 IST