Saif Ali Khan Calls Farhan Akhtar ‘Born to Direct’ Amid Ongoing Don 3 Controversy

As Dil Chahta Hai completed 25 years, actor Saif Ali Khan looked back at the film that redefined friendship dramas in Bollywood and changed the course of Hindi cinema. In a recent interaction, Saif opened up about the joy of working on the cult classic and praised filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, calling him someone who was “born to direct.”

The actor’s comments come at a time when Farhan Akhtar has been in the headlines over the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Don 3, making Saif’s words even more noteworthy for fans of the filmmaker.

Speaking about the making of Dil Chahta Hai, Saif described the entire experience as unforgettable. The film, which starred Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Saif himself, was largely shot in Goa and became a defining film for urban Indian youth in the early 2000s.

Saif shared that the atmosphere on set was relaxed, energetic, and filled with laughter. According to him, the cast would spend their days shooting on beaches and their evenings exploring Goa’s nightlife and restaurants.

Reflecting on Farhan Akhtar’s directorial style, Saif said the filmmaker handled the set with remarkable ease and confidence despite it being his debut project. He explained that there was hardly any tension during filming, and the actors were simply expected to know their lines and enjoy the process.

The actor also revealed an interesting detail about his role as Sameer, which later became one of the most loved characters of his career. Saif admitted that he had initially rejected the film because he felt his character had limited presence in the second half. However, after discussions with the makers, he reconsidered the decision — something he now sees as one of the best choices of his career.

Over time, Saif realised that the impact of a role matters far more than its screen time. He noted that the response he received for Dil Chahta Hai was overwhelming and deeply rewarding, comparing the appreciation to “winning an Oscar.”

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Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar has recently been facing challenges surrounding Don 3, after reports suggested that actor Ranveer Singh exited the project shortly before filming was scheduled to begin. The situation reportedly escalated into a legal and financial dispute involving Excel Entertainment, industry bodies, and mediation attempts by senior Bollywood figures.

Despite the turbulence, Farhan has maintained a composed approach in public appearances, often speaking about the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the importance of staying resilient during difficult phases.

Even after 25 years, Dil Chahta Hai continues to remain one of Bollywood’s most influential films. Its storytelling, music, fashion, and portrayal of modern friendships still resonate strongly with audiences across generations. Saif’s latest reflections have once again reminded fans why the film remains timeless — and why Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut is still celebrated as a landmark moment in Hindi cinema.