Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
DirectorFarhan Akhtar
StarringAamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Fans of Hindi friendship-and-romance dramas who appreciate a leisurely, character-focused narrative.
Where to watch Dil Chahta Hai online in India
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Apple TV StoreYouTubeAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Dil Chahta Hai story (no spoilers)
Three inseparable childhood friends are just out of college. Nothing comes between them - until they each fall in love, and their wildly different approaches to relationships creates tension.
Should you watch Dil Chahta Hai?
Watch it for
- Farhan Akhtar directs Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia in a Hindi drama about friendship and love.
- The film runs 183 minutes, giving plenty of time to explore how each friend's approach to relationships differs.
- Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa provide the music for this U-certified romance.
- It is a 2001 release that has remained a reference point for urban Indian friendship dramas.
Skip it if
- You prefer shorter films; at 183 minutes, it demands a long sitting.
- You want a plot driven by action or suspense rather than relationships and conversation.
- You dislike love-triangle tensions among close friends.
Dil Chahta Hai cast
Aamir Khanas Akash Malhotra
Akshaye Khannaas Siddharth "Sid" Sinha
Saif Ali Khanas Sameer Mulchandani
Preity Zintaas Shalini
Dimple Kapadiaas Tara Jaiswal
Sonali Kulkarnias Pooja
Ayub Khanas Rohit
Rajat Kapooras Mahesh
Samantha Tremayneas Deepa
Suchitra Pillaias Priya
Suhasini Mulayas Sid's MotherDil Chahta Hai movie details
| Director | Farhan Akhtar |
|---|---|
| Writer | Farhan Akhtar |
| Music | Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa |
| Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran |
| Producer | Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar |
| Release date | 24 July 2001 |
| Runtime | 3h 3m (183 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi |
| Original title | दिल चाहता है |
| Certificate (India) | U |
| Budget | $2.1 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $4.1 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Dil Chahta Hai family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the U certificate and the film's romance-drama genre. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Dil Chahta Hai official trailer
Our verdict
Dil Chahta Hai is a well-acted, music-rich look at how love can strain even the oldest friendships. Its 183-minute runtime lets the three leads' stories breathe, though the pace may test viewers who prefer tighter films. It remains a solid pick for those interested in early-2000s Hindi cinema.
More movies directed by Farhan Akhtar
Don
LakshyaMore Aamir Khan movies
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Coolie
Sitaare Zameen Par
Laal Singh Chaddha
Thugs of Hindostan
Secret SuperstarFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Dil Chahta Hai online in India?
Dil Chahta Hai is available for subscription streaming on Netflix in India. It is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV Store and YouTube.
What is the release date of Dil Chahta Hai?
Dil Chahta Hai was released on 24 July 2001, with a theatrical release in India on 10 August 2001.
Who is in the cast of Dil Chahta Hai?
The cast includes Aamir Khan as Akash Malhotra, Akshaye Khanna as Siddharth "Sid" Sinha, Saif Ali Khan as Sameer Mulchandani, Preity Zinta as Shalini, Dimple Kapadia as Tara Jaiswal, Sonali Kulkarni as Pooja, Ayub Khan as Rohit, and Rajat Kapoor as Mahesh.
Who directed Dil Chahta Hai?
Dil Chahta Hai was directed by Farhan Akhtar.
What is the runtime and certificate of Dil Chahta Hai?
Dil Chahta Hai runs for 183 minutes and has a U certificate in India.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.