Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Sonali Kulkarni recalls initial fear on Dil Chahta Hai sets
Dil Chahta Hai is a very famous Hindi movie that came out 25 years ago, and it is getting a special anniversary.
An actress named Sonali Kulkarni was in it, playing a girl called Pooja.
Before the movie, she felt a little scared because she came from a simple family in a city called Pune.
She thought she did not know enough about fashion or fancy things.
A kind filmmaker named Zoya Akhtar found her and helped her feel welcome on the set.
Sonali loved that the set was very organized and always on time.
She was also happy to act with her friend Preity Zinta again.
She remembers her co-star Saif Ali Khan as a calm and caring person.
The movie became very popular and made Saif Ali Khan even more famous.
People still love Dil Chahta Hai today.
Sonali Kulkarni played Pooja, the love interest of Saif Ali Khan's Sameer, in Farhan Akhtar's 2001 directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai, which completes 25 years.
Kulkarni was cast by Zoya Akhtar, the film's casting director, after a laughter-filled improvised audition.
Coming from a simple Maharashtrian family in Pune, Kulkarni initially feared feeling out of place, saying she does not know fashion or luxury.
She praised the set's strict discipline — a 9 am shot started at 9 am — with call sheets prepared by assistant directors Reema Kagti and Apoorva Lakhia.
Kulkarni says the film marked the beginning of Saif Ali Khan's 'coming-to-himself phase' and recalls working with Preity Zinta again after Mission Kashmir.
- Who
- Actress Sonali Kulkarni (played Pooja), director Farhan Akhtar, casting director Zoya Akhtar, co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta and Aamir Khan, and Mission Kashmir co-star Hrithik Roshan.
- What
- Sonali Kulkarni recalls her initial fears and fond memories from the sets of Dil Chahta Hai, which completes 25 years since its release.
- When
- On the occasion of the film's 25th anniversary; Dil Chahta Hai released in 2001.
- Where
- On the sets of Dil Chahta Hai; Kulkarni is from Pune, India.
- Why
- To mark the film's 25-year milestone and share her experiences working with the cast and crew.
- Film
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
- Director
- Farhan Akhtar (directorial debut)
- Casting Director
- Zoya Akhtar
- Role
- Pooja, love interest of Sameer
- Co-Producer
- Ritesh Sidhwani
- Production House
- Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani)
- Anniversary
- 25 years since release
- Notable Song
- "Wo Ladki Hai Kahan"