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A movie about three young adults navigating through life was released over 20 years ago and it changed the perspective of how we see friendship in Hindi cinema. 'Dil Chahta Hai', starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles, has become a cult classic for its stellar performances with its star cast, beautiful cinematography and a very unique soundtrack. But its portrayal of male friendship where men can be vulnerable with each other while having fun and being comfortable struck a chord with the audience.

Redefining Friendship With Dil Chahta Hai:

There were several movies like 'Sholay', 'Chashme Baddoor' and Amar Akbar Anthony' made before 'Dil Chahta Hai' which showed camaraderie between male characters and explored their adventures. But a realistic movie simply based on friendship was not made before in Hindi cinema and that's why 'Dil Chahta Hai' is known for setting a new benchmark.

A still from Dil Chahta Hai (Image Courtesy: Excel Movies/YouTube)

'Dil Chahta Hai' shed new light on male friendships apart from just partying and having fun together. We are introduced to three characters, Akash, Sameer and Sidharth, who have different personalities and different approaches towards their lives.

Akash, played by Aamir Khan, has laid back approach towards life and does not believe in love. In contrast to Akash's personality, Sameer, played by Saif Ali Khan, is a die-hard romantic man who falls in love quickly. Sidharth, played by Akshaye Khanna, is the one who takes life and his craft seriously. Akash, Sidharth and Sameer became a youth icon at the time of its release because the youngsters of urban India could see themselves in these characters.

A still from Dil Chahta Hai (Image Courtesy: Excel Movies/YouTube)

These characters are at ease with each other and can play pranks, tease and go on an adventurous trip. Our protagonists go on a fun trip to Goa, which has become the dream destination of youngsters in India today. 'Dil Chahta Hai' does not shy away from talking about the boundaries in friendships. In the film, Sidharth confesses his love for Tara, who is over 15 years older than him, in front of his friends. Akash does not respect Sidharth's feelings for Tara, which ends up creating a rift in their friendship. Despite their differences, the two reconcile in the end when Tara is seen on her deathbed and Akash and Sameer are there to support Sidharth.

Apart from focusing on their friendship, the movie also gives attention to the individual journey of our protagonists. After the fight, Sidharth decides to focus on his paintings, Akash leaves for Sydney for his family business and Sameer decides to give another try in his love life. These individual journeys show growth in our protagonists who are able to see different perspectives. Akash, after falling in love with Shalini, understands Sidharth's feeling and reconcile with him by apologising.

A still from Dil Chahta Hai (Image Courtesy: Excel Movies/YouTube)

'Dil Chahta Hai' also showed the audience that love does not need to have criteria. Sidharth falls in love with someone who is much older than him, whereas, Sameer decides to give arranged marriage a chance. Akash, who did not believe in love, finds his soulmate in Shalini.

Farhan Akhtar's film established a new standard of cinema over 20 years ago, which is still relevant today. There are only a few films that have aged well and 'Dil Chahta Hai' is certainly one of them. The universal concept of love and friendship will also remain evergreen and will connect to the audience at any point in time.