04 September,2026 03:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna (Pic/X)
As Dil Chahta Hai clocks 25 years, the iconic film's cast reunited to celebrate its enduring success and recall fond memories from the shoot. Among the anecdotes shared was Aamir Khan's revelation that Akshaye Khanna slapped him 17 times for a crucial scene, leaving his face swollen on one side.
During a conversation with We Are Yuvaa, the cast recalled fond memories from the shoot days. Aamir Khan revealed how Akshaye Khanna slapped him 17 times for a crucial scene in the film. Saif Ali Khan asked, "Was it a real slap?"
Farhan Akhtar chimed in, "Yes, it was. I told Aamir that he is really going to slap you, and Aamir said cool. But I told Akshaye that he's expecting it at the end of this line, so do it while he is saying the line - that way there's an element of surprise. It's filmmaking, it happens sometimes. That happened. Then Aamir said, let it happen because it's bringing me into a frame of mind which is helping me. He kept insisting on being slapped again and again."
Aamir Khan added, "It works, you know. Even the angle. When you actually slap someone, it works."
Farhan Akhtar recalled, "By the time we finished, I remember he had a full mark on his face. It was almost swollen on one side." Actor and model Suchitra Pillai, who played Saif Ali Khan's onscreen girlfriend in the film, also shared how she slapped him thrice for the scene.
Released in 2001, the film followed three best friends as they navigated love, friendship and the uncertainties of life after graduation. The film was widely appreciated for its fresh storyline, performances and memorable music. It went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and developed a strong following, particularly among urban audiences. He once revealed that his initial choice of casting was Akshaye Khanna, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan.
Farhan Akhtar recently opened up about not being able to absorb the success of his directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai and having imposter syndrome. The 120 Bahadur actor revealed that it took him over a decade to come to terms with success and that it was his co-star Vidya Balan who helped him.
