Dil Chahta Hai: Aamir Khan Was First Offered THIS Role In Farhan Akhtar’s Film, Rejected It Saying ‘I Want To Play Akash’
Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai has remained a favourite since its release in 2001. The film, which features Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Saif Ali Khan, is celebrated for its unique take on friendship and youth.
However, in a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, Akhtar shed light on some fascinating casting decisions that shaped the iconic film.
Aamir Khan Was Originally Offered To Play Akshaye Khanna’s Character In The Film
Akhtar revealed that Aamir Khan was originally offered the role of Siddharth, played by Akshaye Khanna. Aamir turned it down, citing his preference for a less serious role. This decision led Akhtar to rethink his casting strategy.
In his interview, Akhtar shared that he initially sought younger actors for the film. He approached Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan, who were relatively new to the industry at the time. Despite the interest, both actors had other commitments, forcing Akhtar to consider other options.
Reflecting on the casting process, Akhtar noted, “I have experienced true grace from Akshaye Khanna. When I met him for Dil Chahta Hai, I had offered him the role of Akash, which Aamir ended up doing.”
He explained that, despite Aamir’s initial interest in the role of Akash, the final decision to cast him in the role was made due to the actors’ preferences and availability.
Akhtar described his encounter with Aamir as a bit of a dilemma. Aamir had expressed a desire to take on the role of Akash, preferring it over the more serious Siddharth. Despite the potential for conflict, Akhtar found the resolution smoother than expected. “Akshaye calmly told me that he loved the film and knew it had to be made. He said, ‘I will play that part.’ It’s rare to come across actors who let go of roles so gracefully,” Akhtar remarked.
This graceful approach by Akshaye Khanna allowed the film to move forward without disruption, resulting in a production that reson deeply with audiences. Dil Chahta Hai is still cherished for its portrayal of friendship and the chemistry between its lead actors, including Preity Zinta, Dimple Kapadia, Sonali Kulkarni, Ayub Khan, Suchitra Pillai, and Rajat Kapoor, who also contributed significantly to its success.
About The Film
Dil Chahta Hai is a 2001 Hindi film directed by Farhan Akhtar, marking his directorial debut. The movie follows three college friends—Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth—as they explore love, friendship, and life’s challenges.
Featuring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Preity Zinta, it offered a fresh, realistic view of modern Indian youth. The film’s rock-inspired soundtrack also set a new trend in Indian music.
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