It has been 25 years since the iconic film Dil Chahta Hai hit the big screen and became a blockbuster and critical hit. Along with the breakout debut film for director Farhan Akhtar, and the brilliant cast of Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, along with Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, and Dimple Kapadia, what made this film such a hit and so unique was that it brought this true modern essence to the movies. Adding to the brilliance was the fact that the film also boasts an outstanding soundtrack. The movie is considered one of the best, and the soundtrack is still played and hits the top of favorite songs and greatest soundtrack lists today!
Composed by Shankar—Ehsaan-Loy aka SEL aka Shankhar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, the album, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, included classics like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ – Shankar Mahadevan, ‘Jaane Kyon’ – Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan’ – Shaan and Kavita Krishnamurthy, ‘Kaisi Hai Yeh Rut’ – Sung by Srinivas, ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe’ – Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, and KK, ‘Tanhayee’ – Sonu Nigam, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (Reprise) – Sung by Shankar Mahadevan, ‘Akash’s Love Theme’ – Instrumental by Mike Harvey, ‘Rockin’ Goa’ – Instrumental.
Talking to PTI, Shankar Mahadevan said, “This film has truly been a milestone in our career as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy… We still cannot believe that 25 years have passed because it has been such a wonderful beginning for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. It was not our first project, but Dil Chahta Hai gave us immense credibility, a strong identity, and a lot of respect in the music industry. We can never have enough words of gratitude for this film.”
The trio, in an earlier 2021 interview, discussed the creation of the Dil Chahta Hai soundtrack. Shankar said, “It’s a very young, very urban Indian film and so is the music. Farhan Akhtar did not tell us to follow a particular style. He just wanted music that was right for the film.”
With Ehsaan sharing how the songs came to be, “We went to Khandala with Farhan, Javedsaab and the producer. We finalised six songs in three and a half days in an atmosphere of complete fun.”
Loy added, ”Work was 35 percent; 65 percent was fun. We had a fantastic time! When we came back, we booked a studio and completed the recording in three weeks. If this film works, then it will be a path-breaking one in terms of the styling and script.”
To celebrate 25 years, the trio spoke to Spotify India and revealed their favorite songs, and this is not to be missed!
Which track is going through your head? Which is your favorite? Share in the comments!
