Sonali Kulkarni Celebrates Dil Chahta Hai Milestone and Recalls Casting Story
Actress Sonali Kulkarni has shared nostalgic memories from the sets of the cult film Dil Chahta Hai as it marks a 25-year milestone. Reflecting on her portrayal of Pooja, she shared pictures of the film’s original bound script on social media and detailed her journey from casting to shooting memorable sequences.
What Happened
Sonali Kulkarni reflected on her time working on Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, which was also the first project under Excel Entertainment. She recalled how she landed the role of Pooja in an accidental manner when her photographs slipped out of someone’s file and caught the attention of casting director and chief assistant director Zoya Akhtar. Having seen her prior work in films such as Daayra, Mukta, and Dr. Ambedkar, Zoya called her in for an audition filled with laughter and improvisation.
Coming from a simple background in Pune, Kulkarni credited Zoya with introducing her to the contemporary fashion and aesthetic of the film. She also recalled filming the song ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan’ opposite Saif Ali Khan, sharing that Saif joked about her retro look and bouffant hairstyle resembling his mother, Sharmila Tagore. She also looked back on celebrating her birthday on set, where Zoya made an announcement over a megaphone, and Aamir Khan along with his then-wife Reena gifted her signed books.
Key Highlights
- Unusual Casting: Sonali Kulkarni secured the audition after her photographs fell out of a file and were spotted by Zoya Akhtar.
- Directorial Clarity: Farhan Akhtar was praised for having a well-structured bound script and clear vision despite making his directorial debut.
- Song Rehearsals: Due to theatre commitments, Kulkarni rehearsed ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan’ for barely 10 to 15 minutes before being cleared for the shoot.
- On-Set Camraderie: The actress noted effortless comic timing while working alongside Saif Ali Khan, leading to multiple retakes due to laughter.
- Timeless Appeal: Kulkarni attributed the film’s enduring relevance to its writing and universal themes of friendship and entering adulthood.
Why This Matters
The shared reflections offer behind-the-scenes insight into the creation of Dil Chahta Hai, highlighting the creative atmosphere of Excel Entertainment’s maiden production and how its contemporary approach to storytelling resonated across generations.
What to Watch Next
Audiences and film enthusiasts continue to revisit the classic film and its music, while Excel Entertainment continues its industry journey, recently announcing initiatives such as Excel Origins to support filmmakers under 30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played Pooja in Dil Chahta Hai?
Pooja was portrayed by actress Sonali Kulkarni in the film.
How did Sonali Kulkarni get cast in the film?
Her photographs accidentally slipped out of a file and were noticed by Zoya Akhtar, who then called her to audition after being familiar with her previous acting work.
Who directed Dil Chahta Hai?
The film was directed by Farhan Akhtar, marking his directorial debut.
Source: Based on public statements and social media posts shared by Sonali Kulkarni.