View source for Dil Chahta Hai

{{short description|2001 film by Farhan Akhtar}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Dil Chahta Hai
| image          = Dil Chahta Hai.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| alt            = A theatrical release poster for ''Dil Chahta Hai'', featuring the male lead cast.
| director       = [[Farhan Akhtar]]
| producer       = [[Ritesh Sidhwani]]
| writer         = Farhan Akhtar
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Aamir Khan]]
* [[Saif Ali Khan]]
* [[Akshaye Khanna]]
* [[Preity Zinta]]
* [[Sonali Kulkarni]]
* [[Dimple Kapadia]]
}}
| music          = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi K. Chandran]]
| editing        = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]
| studio         = [[Excel Entertainment]]
| distributor    = [[Yash Raj Films]]
| released       = {{Film date|2001|08|10|df=y}}
| runtime        = 185 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dil-chahta-hai-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zndczotg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514120241/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dil-chahta-hai-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zndczotg |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| budget         = {{INR}}80 million<ref>{{Cite news |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=26 August 2002 |title=Bollywood looks at non-star, low-budget formula to tide over drought of box-office hits |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/20020826-bollywood-looks-at-non-star-low-budget-formula-to-tide-over-drought-of-box-office-hits-794495-2002-08-26 |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514100525/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/20020826-bollywood-looks-at-non-star-low-budget-formula-to-tide-over-drought-of-box-office-hits-794495-2002-08-26 |archive-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR}}397.2 million<ref name="BOI">{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512005048/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=664 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>
}}

'''''Dil Chahta Hai''''' ({{translation|''The Heart Desires''}}) is a 2001 [[India|Indian]] [[Hindi]]-language [[Coming of age|coming-of-age]] [[Comedy drama|comedy-drama]] film written and directed by [[Farhan Akhtar]] in his directorial debut,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-09 |title=Happy birthday Farhan Akhtar: How he made the most definitive film on friendships with Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/farhan-akhtar-birthday-dil-chahta-hai-5017134/ |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and produced by [[Ritesh Sidhwani]] under the newly formed [[Excel Entertainment]] banner. The film stars [[Aamir Khan]], [[Saif Ali Khan]], and [[Akshaye Khanna]] as three inseparable college friends navigating adulthood, relationships, and diverging life paths. It also features [[Preity Zinta]], [[Sonali Kulkarni]], and [[Dimple Kapadia]] in pivotal supporting roles. Set in contemporary urban India, the film explores themes of friendship, love, and [[self-discovery]] among upper-class youth.

Akhtar wrote the film based on personal diaries detailing his experiences travelling to different cities, with inputs on the story from creative associate Kassim Jagmagia. Shot on location in [[India]] and [[Australia]], ''Dil Chahta Hai'' was one of the first Hindi films to use sync sound. [[Cinematography]] was handled by [[Ravi K. Chandran]], with sound design by Nakul Kamte and [[H. Sridhar]]. The music was composed by the trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], with lyrics by [[Javed Akhtar]].

Released theatrically on 10 August 2001, ''Dil Chahta Hai'' received widespread critical acclaim for its modern sensibilities, direction, script, music, and performances, particularly those of Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. Although it underperformed in rural regions, the film emerged as a commercial success in urban centres and grossed ₹397.2 million (US$4.7 million) worldwide, ranking as the [[List of Hindi films of 2001#Highest-grossing films|fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year]]. It has since achieved [[Cult film|Cult status]] and is regarded as a landmark in Hindi cinema for redefining youth narratives and contemporary storytelling.

At the [[49th National Film Awards]], ''Dil Chahta Hai'' won two awards, including [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Feature Film in Hindi]]. It received thirteen nominations at the [[47th Filmfare Awards]], winning seven, including [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film|Best Film (Critics)]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] (Khanna) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role|Best Comedian]] (Saif Ali Khan). Over time, the film has been credited with launching a new wave of urban Indian cinema and establishing Akhtar as one of the leading filmmakers of his generation.

== Plot ==
Best friends Akash Malhotra, Sameer Mulchandani and Siddharth "Sid" Sinha celebrate their college [[graduation]]. At the party, Akash flirts with Shalini, unaware she is engaged, and is punched by her fiancé, Rohit. The next day, Sameer breaks up with his girlfriend, Priya, and joins Akash and Sid on an impromptu trip to [[Goa]]. There, they encounter Akash's persistent ex-girlfriend, Deepa, whom Sid advises to move on. Sameer falls for a [[Swiss people|Swiss]] tourist, Christine, but discovers she is a con artist who robs him. 

Back in Mumbai, Sid grows close to his new neighbour Tara, a middle-aged alcoholic divorcee and art enthusiast. He admires her maturity and compassion and develops feelings for her. Meanwhile, Sameer’s parents push him toward an [[arranged marriage]], but he unexpectedly falls for Pooja, the first woman he meets. Tara breaks down on her birthday when her ex-husband prevents their daughter from visiting. Sid comforts her and later confesses to his friends that he loves her. Akash mocks him for falling for an older woman, prompting Sid to slap him. The incident causes a rift in their friendship when Akash refuses to abandon his cynical views on the matter.

Akash departs for [[Sydney]] to manage his family's business. There, he reconnects with Shalini, who is visiting her uncle. The two bond and fall in love, but Rohit arrives to take her back to India for their wedding. Akash is devastated. Mahesh, Shalini’s uncle, reveals that she agreed to the marriage out of obligation to her adoptive parents. On the eve of her wedding, Akash proposes to her. A fight breaks out with Rohit, after which Shalini admits she loves Akash and chooses him instead, with Rohit's parents giving their blessing.

Sid leaves for a painting workshop, but returns after hearing that Tara is hospitalized with [[Cirrhosis|liver cirrhosis]]. At the hospital, Sameer reflects on his relationship with Pooja, who broke up with her boyfriend and chose Sameer. He also mentions Akash's reconciliation with Shalini. Akash, initially reluctant, visits Sid at the hospital and apologizes. Tara, on her deathbed, begins to express what Sid meant to her, but dies before completing her sentence. Sid is left distraught.

Six months later, the three friends reunite in Goa. Sameer and Akash are accompanied by Pooja and Shalini. Sid meets a young woman at the beach and joins her and his friends for dinner.

== Cast ==
Credits adapted from ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'':<ref name="Cast&Crew">{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai Cast & Crew |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/cast/6738/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717193139/http://www.indiafm.com/movies/cast/6738/index.html |archive-date=17 July 2006 |access-date=14 May 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
{{Cast listing|
* [[Aamir Khan]] as Akash Malhotra
* [[Saif Ali Khan]] as Sameer Mulchandani
* [[Akshaye Khanna]] as Siddharth "Sid" Sinha
* [[Preity Zinta]] as Shalini
* [[Sonali Kulkarni]] as Pooja
* [[Dimple Kapadia]] as Tara Jaiswal
* Samantha Tremayne as Deepa
* [[Ayub Khan (actor)|Ayub Khan]] as Rohit
* [[Rajat Kapoor]] as Mahesh, Shalini's maternal uncle
* [[Suchitra Pillai]] as Priya
* [[Suhasini Mulay]] as Nandini Sinha, Sid's mother
* Bomi Doctor as A. R. Mulchandani, Sameer's father
* Anjula Bedi as Mrs. Mulchandani, Sameer's mother
* [[Yusuf Hussain]] as Naresh: Pooja's father
* Ahmed Khan as A. K. Malhotra: Akash's father
* [[Rajendranath Zutshi]] as Ajay: Tara's ex-husband (voice only)
* [[Mandala Tayde]] as a girl who smiles at Sid in the climax<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhargava |first=Aayushi |date=3 May 2016 |title=Do You Know Who Dil Chahta Hai's 'Mystery Girl' Really Is? |url=https://www.missmalini.com/2016/05/3/dil-chahta-hais-mystery-girl-really |access-date=25 December 2023 |website=[[MissMalini.com]] |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225114652/https://www.missmalini.com/2016/05/3/dil-chahta-hais-mystery-girl-really |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Rakesh Pandey (actor)|Rakesh Pandey]] as  Balwant; Rohit's father
}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
''Dil Chahta Hai'' originated from [[Farhan Akhtar]]'s personal experiences and observations during his travels to [[Goa]] and a six-week stay in [[New York City]] in 1996. Initially conceptualized as a romantic narrative focusing on the characters Akash and Shalini, Akhtar found the story lacking in excitement and depth.<ref name="Farhan Akhtar tells">{{Cite web |last=Chhabra |first=Aseem |date=23 September 2002 |title=Farhan Akhtar tells it like it is |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2002/sep/23farh.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015130530/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2002/sep/23farh.htm |archive-date=15 October 2012 |access-date=14 May 2021 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Encouraged by his parents, [[Javed Akhtar]] and [[Honey Irani]], who appreciated the concept but suggested enhancements, he expanded the narrative to include the dynamics among three friends, thereby shifting the focus to themes of friendship and personal growth.<ref name="Strike one">{{Cite web |last=Vijayakar |first=Rajiv |date=16 August 2001 |title=Strike one: Farhan Akhtar |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/16farhan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514095229/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/16farhan.htm |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

While co-directing music videos for [[Shankar Mahadevan]]'s album ''[[Breathless (Shankar Mahadevan album)|Breathless]]'' alongside his sister [[Zoya Akhtar]] in 1998, Farhan began scripting the film under the working title ''Hum Teen''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parag |date=10 August 2001 |title=Farhan Akhtar: "I'm anxious!"; Ritesh Sidwani: "Dil Chahta Hai has been an enjoyable experience" |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031030154842/http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover3.html |archive-date=30 October 2003 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref><ref name="preview">{{Cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |date=2001 |title=Movie Preview: Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://indiafm.com/previews/01/dch/index.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010803030846/http://indiafm.com/previews/01/dch/index.shtml |archive-date=3 August 2001 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The script, reflecting his own friendships and concerns, was initially penned in English and later translated into Hindi over two months.<ref name="Strike one" /> The project marked the cinematic debut of both Farhan Akhtar and producer [[Ritesh Sidhwani]] under their newly formed banner, [[Excel Entertainment]].<ref name="Cast&Crew" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2002 |title=Best Screenplay, Critics' Award&nbsp;– Best Film: Farhan Akhtar |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw7.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828065240/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw7.html |archive-date=28 August 2004 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> Kassim Jagmagia, a friend of Akhtar's, contributed to the story and joined the team as a creative associate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramesh |first=Randeep |date=29 July 2006 |title=A matter of caste as Bollywood embraces the Bard |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jul/29/books.filmnews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830074102/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jul/29/books.filmnews |archive-date=30 August 2013 |access-date=5 April 2011 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 3
| total_width       = 375
| footer            = Clockwise from upper left: [[Aamir Khan]], [[Saif Ali Khan]], [[Akshaye Khanna]], [[Dimple Kapadia]], [[Sonali Kulkarni]], and [[Preity Zinta]] were cast in the lead roles
| image1            = Aamir Khan graces the first look launch of ‘Secret Superstar’.jpg
| alt1              = Aamir Khan in 2017.
| image2            = Saif at Chef event.jpg
| alt2              = Saif Ali Khan in 2017.
| image3            = Akshaye Khanna still2.jpg
| alt3              = Akshaye Khanna in 2007.
| image4            = Preity Zinta by Ash Gupta.jpg
| alt4              = Preity Zinta in 2018.
| image5            = Sonali Kulkarni on Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week 2017.jpg
| alt5              = Sonali Kulkarni in 2017.
| image6            = DimpleKapadiaPichvai (cropped).png
| alt6              = Dimple Kapadia in 2018.
| align             = right
}}

The casting process underwent several iterations.<ref name="preview" /> Farhan Akhtar initially approached [[Akshaye Khanna]] for the role of Akash Malhotra. However, upon [[Aamir Khan]]'s interest in portraying Akash instead of the more reserved Siddharth "Sid" Sinha, Khanna graciously agreed to switch roles, taking on the character of Sid.<ref name="Screen, Aamir Khan">{{Cite news |last=Parag |date=10 August 2001 |title=Aamir Khan: "Actors can plan however much they want but eventually things happen the way they have to" |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031030154108/http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover1.html |archive-date=30 October 2003 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Screen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 August 2001 |title=Aamir Khan: Almost didn't do 'Dil Chahta Hai'! |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_11_2001a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011004192246/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_11_2001a.html |archive-date=4 October 2001 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |author-link=Subhash K. Jha |date=16 August 2001 |title=Aamir's secret formula! |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/16aamir.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323220521/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/16aamir.htm |archive-date=23 March 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Venugopal |first=Bijoy |date=15 June 2004 |title=Farhan Akhtar and the art of war |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/15laks1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516072217/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/15laks1.htm |archive-date=16 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Pratiksha |date=7 August 2001 |title='I didn't want Dil Chahta Hai to end!' |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/07ak.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121190758/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/07ak.htm |archive-date=21 January 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Parag |date=10 August 2001 |title=Akshay Khanna: "Love is the purest form of emotion" |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031029054928/http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover.html |archive-date=29 October 2003 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Screen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=2001 |title=Running Around Threes |url=http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/featurethree.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011006152856/http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/featurethree.shtml |archive-date=6 October 2001 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=India Today}}</ref>

[[Saif Ali Khan]] was cast as Sameer Mulchandani, a role he found closely aligned with his own personality.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parag |date=18 August 2001 |title=Saif Ali Khan: "Sameer is closest to the real Saif" |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030828141428/http://www.screenindia.com/20010810/fcover2.html |archive-date=28 August 2003 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Screen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2001 |title='Sameer closest to me' |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/08dil.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515052948/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/08dil.htm |archive-date=15 May 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com |publisher=India News Feature Service}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Qureshi |first=Nilufer |date=October 2001 |title=One up |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525234316/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw4.html |archive-date=25 May 2011 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 January 2019 |title=Swades and Dil Chahta Hai: Four roles Hrithik Roshan said no to |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/swades-and-dil-chahta-hai-four-roles-hrithik-roshan-said-no-to/story-3KQPGB0Ad01UOMczIajO3M.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514122059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/swades-and-dil-chahta-hai-four-roles-hrithik-roshan-said-no-to/story-3KQPGB0Ad01UOMczIajO3M.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2021 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> [[Preity Zinta]] joined the cast as Shalini, Akash's love interest, after a [[screen test]] and preparation period of three and a half months.<ref name="maddest">{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Pratiksha |date=9 August 2001 |title='It's the maddest unit I've worked with' |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515112704/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre.htm |archive-date=15 May 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="All eyez on me">{{Cite magazine |last=Pillai |first=Jitesh |author-link=Jitesh Pillai |date=October 2001 |title=All eyez on me |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525234423/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw1.html |archive-date=25 May 2011 |access-date=15 May 2021 |magazine=Filmfare}}</ref> [[Sonali Kulkarni]] was selected to play Pooja, Sameer's eventual fiancée. [[Dimple Kapadia]] was cast as Tara Jaiswal, a middle-aged, alcoholic interior designer and divorcée, marking her first on-screen pairing with a significantly younger actor.<ref name="Surprise!">{{Cite web |last=Khanna |first=Priyanka |date=6 August 2001 |title=Dimple: The Dil Chahta Hai Surprise! |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/06dimple.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515052955/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/06dimple.htm |archive-date=15 May 2021 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> Kapadia reportedly insisted that Farhan Akhtar address her by name rather than as "aunty" during the shoot.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=October 2001 |title=Life is so unsure |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw5.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525234252/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/oct2001/ivw5.html |archive-date=25 May 2011 |access-date=15 May 2021 |magazine=Filmfare}}</ref><ref name="Surprise!" />

Zoya Akhtar oversaw the casting process, ensuring a cohesive [[Ensemble cast|ensemble]] that could authentically portray the film's themes of friendship and personal evolution.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Dil Chahta Hai |date=10 August 2001 |last=Akhtar |first=Farhan |author-link=Farhan Akhtar |type=Motion picture |language=hi |publisher=[[Excel Entertainment]] |trans-title=The Heart Desires |place=India |time=1:41}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] for ''Dil Chahta Hai'' commenced in 2000 and spanned 108 days. The film was shot across various locations, including [[Mumbai]], [[Goa]], and [[Sydney]], [[Australia]].<ref name="Surprise!" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |author-link=Sukanya Verma |date=18 July 2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai: Story in pictures |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jul/18intro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728090544/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jul/18intro.htm |archive-date=28 July 2018 |access-date=16 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> Notably, the scene featuring the trio at [[Chapora Fort]] in Goa became iconic, contributing to the fort's popularity as a tourist destination.

The film was produced on a budget of ₹80 million (approximately US$950,000). [[Ravi K. Chandran]] handled [[cinematography]], capturing the film's contemporary aesthetic. The production utilized [[sync sound]] recording, a relatively novel technique in Indian cinema at the time, with Nakul Kamte and [[H. Sridhar]] overseeing the [[sound design]].<ref name="Cast&Crew" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chumbhale |first=Ameya |date=14 January 2012 |title=What do sound designers do in the film industry? |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/what-do-sound-designers-do-in-the-film-industry/articleshow/11482952.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516125612/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/what-do-sound-designers-do-in-the-film-industry/articleshow/11482952.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=16 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2021 |work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> [[A. Sreekar Prasad]] served as the [[Editing|editor]], and Suzanne Caplan Merwanji was the [[production designer]].<ref name="Cast&Crew" /><ref name="Strike one" /> [[Arjun Bhasin]] managed [[costume design]], while [[Farah Khan]] choreographed the film's musical sequences.<ref name="Cast&Crew" />

Hairstylist [[Adhuna Bhabani]] made her Bollywood debut with this film, introducing distinctive hairstyles for the lead characters that became trendsetting among the youth.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2002 |title=Best Editing: A. Sreekar Prasad |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw29.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828073433/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2002/ivw29.html |archive-date=28 August 2004 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Main|Dil Chahta Hai (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack and background score of ''Dil Chahta Hai'' were composed by [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], after [[A. R. Rahman]] declined the offer due to date issues.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Pais |first=Arthur J. |date=27 January 2009 |title='What is my share will always come to me' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/entertai/2009/jan/27slid3-a-r-rahman-reacts-to-oscar-noms-for-slumdog.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514122109/http://specials.rediff.com/entertai/2009/jan/27slid3-a-r-rahman-reacts-to-oscar-noms-for-slumdog.htm |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=4 January 2002 |title=Screen Awards: Nominations |work=Screen |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20020104/fnom6.html |url-status=dead |access-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040315003503/http://www.screenindia.com/20020104/fnom6.html |archive-date=15 March 2004}}</ref> The lyrics were penned by Javed Akhtar. The vocals were performed by [[Udit Narayan]], [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Caralisa Monteiro]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], Mahadevan, [[Clinton Cerejo]], [[KK (singer)|KK]], [[Harvey (MC)|Harvey]], and [[Sonu Nigam]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=22 June 2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dil-chahta-hai-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138970371 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518130051/https://music.apple.com/us/album/dil-chahta-hai-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138970371 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref> Noorani stated that the trio went to [[Khandala]] along with Farhan Akhtar, Javed Akhtar, and Sidhwani to compose six songs from a total of nine for the film in three-and-a-half days. Mendonsa described the experience as 35% of work and 65% fun and added that they had a "fantastic time". After staying in Khandala, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy subsequently booked a studio to finish the recording in three weeks.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Vijayakar |first=Rajiv |date=23 June 2001 |title='Dil Chahta Hai' was 35% work, 65% fun! |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jun/23shan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515185116/https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jun/23shan.htm |archive-date=15 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

The soundtrack and background score for ''Dil Chahta Hai'' were composed by the musical trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], marking their first collaboration with [[Farhan Akhtar]]. [[A. R. Rahman]] was initially approached for the project but declined due to scheduling conflicts.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The lyrics were written by [[Javed Akhtar]]. Vocal performances on the album feature [[Udit Narayan]], [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Caralisa Monteiro]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Clinton Cerejo]], [[KK (singer)|KK]], [[Harvey (MC)|Harvey]], and [[Sonu Nigam]].<ref name=":2" />

In preparation for the album, the composers, along with Farhan Akhtar, Javed Akhtar, and producer [[Ritesh Sidhwani]], traveled to [[Lonavala]], where six of the nine songs were composed over three and a half days. [[Ehsaan Noorani]] described the retreat as a balance of "35% work and 65% fun", while [[Loy Mendonsa]] noted that they later booked a recording studio to complete the album within three weeks.<ref name=":3" />

== Release ==
''Dil Chahta Hai'' was one of the most anticipated Hindi films of 2001, owing to its contemporary narrative centered on urban youth—an area seldom explored in Indian cinema.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Salam |first1=Ziya Us |author-link=Ziya Us Salam |last2=Balakrishnan |first2=Lakshmi |last3=Kannan |first3=K. |date=8 August 2001 |title=Talk of the town |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/talk-of-the-town/article27970979.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516113754/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/talk-of-the-town/article27970979.ece |archive-date=16 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ritu |date=2001 |title="...Kyonki Dil Chahta Hai!" |url=http://www.gmagazine.com/Feature01.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010821004905/http://www.gmagazine.com/Feature01.asp |archive-date=21 August 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=[[Chitralekha (weekly)|Chitralekha]]}}</ref> A one-minute theatrical trailer was launched alongside [[Aamir Khan]]’s ''[[Lagaan]]'' in cinemas and on television across India to generate early publicity and media interest.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=Farhan Akhtar turns director with Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://www.ndtv.com:80/ent/story.asp?slug=%3cI%3eTum+Bin%3c/story.asp?slug=Farhan+turns+director+with+dil+chahta+hai&id=447&section=Movies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010625040616/http://www.ndtv.com/ent/story.asp?slug=%3CI%3ETum+Bin%3C%2Fstory.asp%3Fslug%3DFarhan+turns+director+with+dil+chahta+hai&id=447&section=Movies |archive-date=25 June 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> Ahead of its theatrical debut, a special screening was held for then-[[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Indian Home Minister]] [[L. K. Advani]] at his residence in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandes |first=Vivek |date=4 August 2001 |title=Home minister L K Advani watches Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/04news.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518130038/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/04news.htm |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

The film was released theatrically on 10 August 2001, clashing with ''[[Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke]]'', a [[Romance film#Romantic drama|romantic drama]] starring [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Preity Zinta]], and [[Madhuri Dixit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |date=10 July 2000 |title=Aamir-Sunny clash confirmed |url=http://indiafm.com/scoop/00/jul/1007aamir/index.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010712051443/http://indiafm.com/scoop/00/jul/1007aamir/index.shtml |archive-date=12 July 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 June 2001 |title=The Aamir Khan-Sunny Deol War&nbsp;– Part II?! |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/cyberscoop/june2001/06_29_2001b.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020616150913/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/cyberscoop/june2001/06_29_2001b.html |archive-date=16 June 2002 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref> Following its domestic release, ''Dil Chahta Hai'' was screened at multiple international film festivals, including the [[33rd International Film Festival of India]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 July 2002 |title=Dil Chahta Hai to be screened at IFFI |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/17589284.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211210148/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/17589284.cms |archive-date=11 December 2008 |access-date=14 August 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> the 14th [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2003 |title=Palm Springs finds Bose just fine |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/palm-springs-finds-bose-just-fine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517090423/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/palm-springs-finds-bose-just-fine/ |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=19 March 2012 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |location=New Delhi, India |agency=[[United News of India]]}}</ref> and the 11th [[Austin Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 October 2004 |title=Cinematic Convergence |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:233369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225022043/http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:233369 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |access-date=14 August 2008 |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]}}</ref>

The film premiered on Indian television via [[StarPlus]] on 17 August 2002.<ref>{{Cite news |last=C. |first=Maya |date=7 August 2002 |title=Dil chahta hai Goa? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/dil-chahta-hai-goa/article28605152.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517112404/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/dil-chahta-hai-goa/article28605152.ece |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> It was released on home media as a single-disc [[NTSC]] widescreen [[DVD]] on 14 December 2007, alongside a two-disc version distributed by Spark Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2007 |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.amazon.com/Dil-chahta-hai-Amir-Khan/dp/B0016GOM0Q |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224222953/http://www.amazon.com/Dil-chahta-hai-Amir-Khan/dp/B0016GOM0Q |archive-date=24 December 2015 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai -2 DVD set |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dil-Chahta-Hai-DVD-set/dp/B001ARJWBA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518130020/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dil-Chahta-Hai-DVD-set/dp/B001ARJWBA |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Amazon}}</ref> Since 18 November 2016, ''Dil Chahta Hai'' has been available for streaming on platforms including [[Amazon Prime Video]] and [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hain (2001) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dil_chahta_hai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104234041/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dil_chahta_hai |archive-date=4 November 2020 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Dil-Chahta-Hai/0GUPSYRY1MTBUBAJMLTKNYIC7E |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517112844/https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Dil-Chahta-Hai/0GUPSYRY1MTBUBAJMLTKNYIC7E |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[Amazon Prime Video]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.netflix.com/title/60021525 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118184543/https://www.netflix.com/title/60021525 |archive-date=18 January 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[Netflix]]}}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Box office ===
''Dil Chahta Hai'' had a moderate commercial performance upon release. While it performed well in metropolitan areas, it underperformed in rural regions—a shortfall attributed by trade analysts to its urban-centric storyline and characters.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 January 2002 |title=Commoner calls the shots |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/commoner-calls-the-shots/article28570172.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517091808/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/commoner-calls-the-shots/article28570172.ece |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gulzar |author-link=Gulzar |title=[[Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema]] |last2=Nihalani |first2=Govind |author-link2=Govind Nihalani |last3=Chatterjee |first3=Saibal |author-link3=Saibal Chatterjee |date=26 February 2003 |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]] |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |page=128}}</ref> Nevertheless, the film enjoyed sustained success in urban centers, completing a [[golden jubilee]] run of over 50 weeks in some theatres.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 August 2002 |title=Double victory for DCH |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20020809/fhap2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030908184515/http://www.screenindia.com/20020809/fhap2.html |archive-date=8 September 2003 |access-date=15 October 2021 |work=Screen}}</ref>{{efn|A golden jubilee film is one that completes a theatrical run of 50 weeks or 300 days.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bose |first=Derek |author-link=Derek Bose |title=Brand Bollywood: A New Global Entertainment Order |date=14 November 2006 |publisher=[[SAGE Publishing]] |page=40 |isbn=978-81-32102-78-6 }}</ref>}}

Released on approximately 210 screens across India, the film earned ₹9 million (US$110,000) on its opening day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top India First Day (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-day.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517092632/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-day.php?year=2001 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> It collected ₹27.7 million (US$330,000) over its opening weekend,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top India First Weekend (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-weekend.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517092645/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-weekend.php?year=2001 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> and ₹57.3 million (US$680,000) by the end of its first week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top India First Week (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-week.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510183623/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-week.php?year=2001 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> The film ultimately grossed ₹332.8 million (US$3.9 million) domestically, ranking as the [[List of Hindi films of 2001#Highest-grossing films|fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top India Grossers (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-total-gross.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018211425/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-total-gross.php?year=2001 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref>

Overseas, the film opened to strong box office numbers, collecting US$210,000 in North America and US$100,000 from Atlantic countries during its opening weekend.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 August 2007 |title=Bollywood goes down under |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/06slid2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518130021/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/06slid2.htm |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Pais |first1=Arthur J. |last2=Chhabra |first2=Aseem |date=17 August 2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai or Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke? |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/17us.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093409/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/17us.htm |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> It went on to earn ₹16.5 million (US$200,000) in its initial overseas run,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Overseas Weekend (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas-first-weekend.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018052215/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas-first-weekend.php?year=2001 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> and grossed ₹64.4 million (US$760,000) by the end of its international theatrical engagement—making it the seventh-highest-grossing Hindi film overseas that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Overseas Gross (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas-total-gross.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423214708/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas-total-gross.php?year=2001 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> According to ''[[Box Office India]]'', the film earned an estimated ₹397.2 million (US$4.7 million) worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Worldwide Grossers (2001) |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225151822/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2001 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Box Office India}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
''Dil Chahta Hai'' received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for its fresh narrative, direction, performances, and realistic portrayal of contemporary Indian youth.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Rohit K. |author-link=Rohit K. Dasgupta |title=100 Essential Indian Films |last2=Datta |first2=Sangeeta |date=15 December 2018 |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |isbn=978-1-4422-7799-1 |pages=72–74}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 July 2002 |title=Upsetting the Balance |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/upsetting-the-balance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514112746/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/upsetting-the-balance/ |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mazumdar |first=Ranjani |title=Bombay Cinema: An Archive of the City |date=14 May 2007 |publisher=[[University of Minnesota Press]] |isbn=978-1-4529-1302-5 |pages=143–144}}</ref><ref name="Another Feather">{{Cite news |date=14 August 2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai: Another Feather in Aamir's Cap! |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_14_2001b.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011030192416/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_14_2001b.html |archive-date=30 October 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 August 2001 |title=Hrithik Roshan–Farhan Akhtar: Something Cooking! |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_9_2001a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020617080751/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_9_2001a.html |archive-date=17 June 2002 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 August 2001 |title=Saif Ali Khan: Surprise Packet! |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_12_2001a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020613111814/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/thebuzz/aug2001/08_12_2001a.html |archive-date=13 June 2002 |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref> The film holds a 100% approval rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]], based on five reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dil Chahtha Hain {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dil-chahta-hai |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[Taran Adarsh]] of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' described the film as a landmark in [[Aamir Khan]]'s career and highlighted the performances of [[Saif Ali Khan]] and [[Akshaye Khanna]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |date=6 August 2001 |title=Movie Review: Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6738/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716001353/http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6738/index.html |archive-date=16 July 2006 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> Sita Menon, writing for ''[[Rediff.com]]'', commended [[Farhan Akhtar]]'s directorial debut, noting his effective character development and Khanna's nuanced performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon, Sita |author-link=Sita Menon |date=10 August 2001 |title=Trip on Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/10dil.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026005746/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/10dil.htm |archive-date=26 October 2015 |access-date=22 September 2015 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

In [[Screen (magazine)|''Screen'' magazine]], Piroj Wadia lauded Akhtar's script and direction, as well as [[Ravi K. Chandran]]'s cinematography. Dinesh Raheja, also from ''Screen'', appreciated the film's humor and Saif Ali Khan's comedic timing.<ref name="Raheja, Dinesh">{{Cite news |last=Raheja |first=Dinesh |author-link=Dinesh Raheja |date=2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai&nbsp;– Dude Awakening |url=http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/review.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011003194101/http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/review.shtml |archive-date=3 October 2001 |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref name="Wadia, Piroj">{{Cite news |last=Wadia |first=Piroj |date=17 August 2001 |title=What an amazing debut |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010817/frev.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011006184747/http://www.screenindia.com/20010817/frev.html |archive-date=6 October 2001 |access-date=19 April 2020 |work=Screen}}</ref> [[Ziya Us Salam]] of ''[[The Hindu]]'' described the film as a rare depiction of male camaraderie and bachelor bonding, praising its situational comedy and natural character reactions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salam |first=Ziya Us |date=17 August 2001 |title=Film Review: Dil Chahta Hai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/film-review-dil-chahta-hai/article27972488.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515110230/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/film-review-dil-chahta-hai/article27972488.ece |archive-date=15 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

Arati Koppar of ''[[Filmfare]]'' hailed the film as a "fabulous attempt" for a directorial debut, highlighting Aamir Khan's performance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Koppar |first=Arati |date=2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/reviews/index3.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010917040626/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/reviews/index3.htm |archive-date=17 September 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=Filmfare}}</ref> [[Komal Nahta]] praised [[Preity Zinta]]'s portrayal and noted [[Dimple Kapadia]]'s suitability for her role, while critiquing [[Sonali Kulkarni]]'s limited screen time.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |date=24 August 2001 |title=Matters of the heart |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kCwhAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518130015/https://books.google.co.id/books?id=kCwhAAAAIBAJ |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |page=88}}</ref>

Jasdeep Singh Pannu of ''[[NDTV]]'' labeled ''Dil Chahta Hai'' a "wonderfully-crafted film," though he noted a "melodramatic act, an element better kept to the conventional Bollywood movie."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pannu |first=Jasdeep Singh |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://www.ndtv.com/ent/reviewhindi.asp?id=31&moviename=Dil+Chahta+Hai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020301015802/http://www.ndtv.com/ent/reviewhindi.asp?id=31&moviename=Dil+Chahta+Hai |archive-date=1 March 2002 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=NDTV}}</ref> ''[[Zee Next]]'' named it one of the greatest Hindi films of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jonna |date=2001 |title=Dil Chahta Hai: Actors and dialogues are the plus points |url=http://entertainment.zeenext.com/articles.asp?aid=496 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011124124643/http://entertainment.zeenext.com/articles.asp?aid=496 |archive-date=24 November 2001 |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=[[Zee Next]]}}</ref> [[Saibal Chatterjee]] of ''The Hindustan Times'' wrote, "Farhan demonstrates a style that is as sophisticated as it is impressive. Virtually every character in the intricate tapestry that the young filmmaker creates is utterly tangible, the emotions are completely believable, and the situations fraught with subtle drama."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chatterjee, Saibal |date=9 February 2002 |title=Dil Chahta Hai |url=http://167.216.192.98/infotainment/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsdch.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020209150113/http://167.216.192.98/infotainment/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsdch.shtml |archive-date=9 February 2002 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

Internationally, K. N. Vijiyan of the ''[[New Straits Times]]'' observed that the film differed from typical Bollywood fare and might not appeal to all audiences, but acknowledged Chandran's cinematography.<ref name=":4" /> Beth Watkins, in a retrospective review for ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', praised the film's blend of humor, emotion, and sincerity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watkins, Beth |date=27 September 2011 |title=Bollywood Journal: The Enduring Appeal of 'Dil Chahta Hai' |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/09/27/bollywood-journal-the-enduring-appeal-of-dil-chahta-hai/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927175603/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/09/27/bollywood-journal-the-enduring-appeal-of-dil-chahta-hai/ |archive-date=27 September 2011 |access-date=22 September 2015 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of accolades received by Dil Chahta Hai|List of accolades received by ''Dil Chahta Hai'']]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=0292490}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|dil-chahta-hai}}

{{National Film Award Best Feature Film Hindi}}
{{FilmfareCriticsAwardBestMovie}}
{{Farhan Akhtar}}
{{Ritesh Sidhwani}}


[[Category:2000s buddy comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2000s road comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2001 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2001 films]]
[[Category:2001 romantic comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Best Hindi Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Films directed by Farhan Akhtar]]
[[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
[[Category:Films set in Australia]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Goa]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Sydney]]
[[Category:Indian buddy comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian road comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy-drama films]]