Three friends, one car, Goa. So powerful is its imagery that millions can recognise the film in a heartbeat. With Dil Chahta Hai (2001), first-time director Farhan Akhtar did more than just reflect our Goa plans on screen, or influence popular hairstyles. In telling the coming-of-age story of three friends, he shunned over-the-top drama and dialoguebaazi, thus giving Bollywood a new cinematic language. Result? The Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna-starrer remains one of Hindi cinema’s cult films against which every buddy comedy is measured.   

As the Ritesh Sidhwani-backed film clocks 20 years, Akhtar says he had little idea that his script would have such a lasting impression. “I have been told by many that it was a story ahead of its time that broke clichés and redefined friendship. Akash, Sameer, and Sid [played by Aamir, Saif and Khanna respectively] were projections of the people we see in our daily lives. That is probably why after two decades, the audience can still relate to them,” he says. The movie will air on &pictures today to mark the occasion.  

Shankar Mahadevan, who composed the music with Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, says the film was a milestone in their careers. “It’s a path-breaking film where Farhan’s command over the craft is evident. The music was a clutter-breaker. When you hear the songs even today, they don’t feel dated.”