Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Saif Almost Rejected Dil Chahta Hai, Dimple Kapadia Persuaded Him
A famous Hindi movie called Dil Chahta Hai is turning 25 years old on August 10.
It is remembered as one of the most influential films about friendship and young people.
One of its actors, Saif Ali Khan, almost did not act in it.
He said no at first because his character was hardly in the second half of the movie.
Actress Dimple Kapadia asked him to change his mind, and writer Javed Akhtar promised the team would look into it.
Saif agreed, mainly because of two special scenes — one in a restaurant and one in a car.
The movie became a big success, and Saif said the response felt like winning an Oscar.
He also wanted the dialogue dubbed, but hearing a live-sound take changed his mind.
Today, Sameer is still one of the film's most loved characters.
Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai celebrates its 25th anniversary on Monday, August 10.
Saif Ali Khan initially refused the role of Sameer, saying his part was hardly there in the second half.
Dimple Kapadia persuaded Saif to reconsider, with Javed Akhtar assuring him the matter would be looked into.
Saif signed on because of the two scenes in the restaurant and the car, later saying role length does not matter.
Saif also opposed the film's live sound, wanting to dub it, but changed his mind after Farhan played him a take.
- Who
- Saif Ali Khan (the actor who almost refused), director Farhan Akhtar, and actress Dimple Kapadia, who persuaded him
- What
- New details about Dil Chahta Hai at 25: Saif Ali Khan almost rejected the role of Sameer before being persuaded
- When
- Monday, August 10 — the film's 25th anniversary; the film was released in 2001
- Where
- Hindi cinema; the articles do not state a specific location
- Why
- Saif refused because his character had little presence in the second half, but later realised that the length of a role does not matter
- Film
- Dil Chahta Hai
- Director
- Farhan Akhtar
- 25th anniversary
- Monday, August 10
- Release year
- 2001
- Saif Ali Khan's role
- Sameer
- Who persuaded Saif
- Dimple Kapadia
- Cast
- Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Dimple Kapadia
- Filmmaking debate
- Live sound vs. dubbing