Not Aamir Khan, This Actor Was Initially Chosen to Play Akash in film Dil Chahta Hai!

‘Dil Chahta Hai’, one of Bollywood’s most beloved cult classic films, continues to remain a favorite even after 24 years. While Aamir Khan famously played the role of Akash, a charming playboy, it was originally meant to be played by Akshaye Khanna.

By Priyanka Yadav 13 May 2025 in Entertainment

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Not Aamir Khan, This Actor Was Initially Chosen to Play Akash in film Dil Chahta Hai!

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Released in 2001, Dil Chahta Hai is counted among Bollywood’s most iconic cult classic films. Even after 24 years, the film remains deeply loved by audiences. Its characters, dialogues, and music still reside in the hearts of fans today.

A Film Ahead of Its Time

Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna

Featuring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna as Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth respectively, Dil Chahta Hai masterfully captures the transition from youth to adulthood. Through themes of friendship, love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, the film resonated with a generation. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the movie not only portrayed a progressive outlook but also expressed emotions with such simplicity and beauty that it continues to be relatable across generations.

Not Aamir, But Akshaye Was the First Choice

Not Aamir Khan but this Actor Was the First Choice for Dil Chahta Hai

While Aamir Khan eventually played the role of Akash, who is portrayed as a carefree playboy, the role was initially offered to Akshaye Khanna. Yes, it’s absolutely true. Director Farhan Akhtar revealed that casting Akash, Sid, and Sameer for Dil Chahta Hai was extremely challenging—it took almost a year and a half to finalize. However, Akshaye Khanna was an exception; he immediately agreed to be part of the film when first approached.

Everyone Said No

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"Every time I discussed the film with someone, they turned it down," Farhan said. "I assumed Aamir would also say no, but he liked the concept. The only issue was that the dialogues were originally written in English, which Aamir didn’t like. He said, ‘I will do the film, but only if it’s in Hindi. Bring me the script rewritten in Hindi. If I like it, I won’t play Sid—I’ll play Akash.’ I agreed and rewrote the dialogues in Hindi. He liked it."

Farhan then added, “But I had already spoken to Akshaye for the role of Akash. When I told Aamir that, he said he didn’t mind.”

"I Don’t Mind" – Akshaye

Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna

Coincidentally, Aamir and Akshaye had just returned from a world tour together at that time and had become good friends. Farhan approached Akshaye and told him that Aamir wanted to do the film, but preferred to play Akash. Akshaye responded, “But you offered me Akash first. Still, if you want me to play Sid or Sameer instead, I don’t mind. I just want to be part of this film.”

And that’s how the casting of Aamir, Saif, and Akshaye came together. When the film was finally released, each actor did full justice to their roles, and their performances became timeless.

It’s worth noting that alongside the lead trio, Dil Chahta Hai also starred Preity Zinta (as Shalini), Sonali Kulkarni (as Pooja), and Dimple Kapadia (as Tara).