Dil Chahta Hai is a cult classic Bollywood film released in 2001 and directed by Farhan Akhtar. The story revolves around three childhood friends, Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth, who have just finished college and are entering the next phase of their lives.
Akash, played by Aamir Khan, is a carefree and adventurous guy who doesn't believe in love and finds it difficult to commit to a relationship. Sameer, played by Saif Ali Khan, is a romantic who falls in love easily and dreams of finding his soulmate. Siddharth, played by Akshaye Khanna, is a more serious and mature person who values relationships and is looking for a meaningful connection.
As the story progresses, each of them falls in love with different women. Akash starts a casual relationship with a woman named Shalini, played by Preity Zinta, but their different approaches to love cause friction and ultimately lead to the end of their relationship. Sameer falls in love with a woman named Pooja, played by Sonali Kulkarni, but his insecurities and jealousy create problems in their relationship. Siddharth finds love with a divorced woman named Tara, played by Dimple Kapadia, but he faces opposition from his family and society due to their age difference.
Throughout the movie, the three friends navigate the ups and downs of their respective relationships while trying to maintain their bond of friendship. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of modern-day relationships and its portrayal of the young urban lifestyle. It was a massive success at the box office and is considered one of the most defining films in Hindi cinema.