Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai continues to be a landmark film in Indian cinema, not just for its fresh narrative on friendship and relationships, but also for the interesting stories behind its making. Recently, Farhan shared a humorous anecdote from the sets involving veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, who played the role of Tara Jaiswal in the 2001 classic.
Speaking at the WAVES Summit 2025, Farhan recalled how he was unsure of how to address Dimple Kapadia, given the age and professional gap between them. “I didn’t know what to call her. Saying ‘Dimple’ felt too informal, but calling her ‘Dimple aunty’ would definitely upset her,” he laughed, recalling his dilemma as a first-time director working with an iconic actress.
For the first few days, Farhan avoided calling her anything at all, resorting instead to nods, “yes ma’ams,” and awkward affirmations like “ji ji, okay okay.” But Dimple noticed the discomfort and decided to confront it head-on. “After two or three days, she asked me directly—‘Why are you not calling me by my name?’ I told her I honestly didn’t know what to say. That’s when she looked at me and said, ‘You better call me Dimple. If Dimple aunty comes out of your mouth, I’m leaving this film,’” Farhan recounted with a grin.
The moment broke the ice, and Farhan described Dimple as “an amazing person to work with.” In Dil Chahta Hai, Dimple played a mature, emotionally complex woman who forms a deep connection with Sid, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. Their subtle and sensitive track added depth to the film’s exploration of modern relationships and emotional vulnerabilities.
On the work front, Farhan Akhtar is gearing up for his next acting project, 120 Bahadur, a war drama based on the historic Battle of Rezang La. The film sees him in the role of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment, the film is slated for a theatrical release on November 21, 2025.