As ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ turns 25 in August 2026, Saif Ali Khan fondly recalled the fun-filled shoot in Goa, saying the cast partied and tried every restaurant between takes. He also praised director Farhan Akhtar, saying it felt like he was born to direct. The film released in 2001. ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is all set to turn 25 in August 2026 and the excitement among fans is already building up. Farhan Akhtar‘s directorial, which brought Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna together on screen, won hearts with its one-of-a-kind storytelling that felt way ahead of its time. The catchy music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Aamir’s now-iconic hairstyle, and the picturesque Goa setting went on to inspire a whole generation of filmmakers in the early 2000s. With the big anniversary just around the corner, Saif is taking a trip down memory lane, fondly recalling the shoot as a time filled with great friendships, loads of fun, and a completely new approach to filmmaking.
Saif Ali Khan recalls the fun-filled shoot of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in Goa
Saif happily looked back at the making of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and said it was one of the most fun experiences of his life. In an interview with Variety India, he said, “It was insane. I think it was the most fun because it was Goa, and we were very young.” Saif also talked about how the cast enjoyed every bit of their time in Goa when they were not shooting. “We shot on the beach and we partied as well. I remember we tried almost every restaurant in Goa. And because we were all so young, we had the energy to eat, drink, party and then come back for a shoot,” he recalls.
Saif Ali Khan praises Farhan Akhtar for his effortless direction
The actor gave Farhan a lot of credit for keeping the atmosphere on set relaxed and enjoyable, heaping praise on the director for his effortless approach to filmmaking. He said, “We were laughing most of the time because Farhan wore it all very lightly. It was like he was born to direct, with the ease with which he was on a set.” Saif also recalled how there was absolutely no stress or tension during the shoot, adding, “We were just told to know our lines. No figuring it out once you get there. Just learn your lines and then the rest was great fun.”
All about ‘Dil Chahta Hai’
‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001) changed the way Hindi cinema told stories about friendship and growing up. The film revolved around three best friends, Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan), and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna), and took audiences through their journey of love, heartbreak, and life after college. Set against the lively backdrop of urban India, the film portrayed relationships and emotions in a way that felt real, relatable, and way ahead of its time.