Bollywood has a new talking point, and it is all about — Sonali Kulkarni celebrates 25 years of Dil Chahta Hai, recalls how she landed Pooja: “My photographs accidentally fell out of someone’s file”. Fans and trade analysts have been closely following every update, and the latest development adds another chapter to what has been an eventful week for Hindi cinema.
The Story So Far
Add as a preferred source on Google Sonali Kulkarni is looking back at Dil Chahta Hai as the cult timeless concludes up 25 years on August 10. The performer, who played Pooja in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial launch, marked the silver jubilee by sharing glimpses of the movie’s original bound screenplay on social media and reflecting on the impact the movie has had on her career.
Speaking about the enduring relevance of Dil Chahta Hai, Sonali said, "Dil Chahta Hai still feels as brand-fresh and relevant as ever. It's an legendary movie that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. For me, it is a milestone in my life and career.
My track in the movie, especially ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan’, continues to receive so much love even today. It's heartwarming to see audiences revisit the movie generation after generation. I’m going to be ever grateful to Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani for giving me DCH – I feel proud to be a part of Excel Entertainment’s first-ever project.” Looking back at the atmosphere on the sets, the performer said that the team was unaware that they were working on a movie that would eventually become a reference point for generations of viewers.
"The atmosphere was so youthful, energetic and full of humour. We were simply a group of passionate people trying to make something beautiful. Nobody dreamt that we were making a movie that would become a milestone for generations," she revealed.
Sonali also recalled the unusual circumstances through which she landed the part of Pooja. According to the performer, her photographs accidentally came to the attention of Zoya Akhtar, who was the casting filmmaker and chief AD on the project at the time. Recalling the narrative, Sonali revealed, "It's almost a filmy narrative.
My photographs accidentally fell out of someone's file, and Zoya happened to notice them. She had already seen my work in captures like Daayra, Mukta and Dr. Ambedkar and called me to audition for Pooja.
The audition itself was filled with laughter and improvisation. I instantly fell in love with the warmth of the team and knew I wanted to be a part of this world." For Sonali, the movie also offered an introduction to a world that was very different from her upbringing in Pune. She credited Zoya Akhtar for helping her navigate the fashion and contemporary aesthetic.
"I come from a simple family, and Pune wasn't the bustling city it is today. I wasn't exposed to the world of fashion, luxury or the lifestyle that surrounded Dil Chahta Hai. Zoya became the person who gently introduced me to that world.
What I admire most about her is that despite her incredible sense of style and creative vision, she has always remained grounded. She truly loves silver major screen, and that authenticity reflects in everything she creates. I will always be grateful to her for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of a movie that has become a cultural landmark in Indian silver major screen," she disclosed.
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Whether this marks the beginning of something bigger or a standalone moment remains to be seen. What is clear is that the entertainment world is watching closely — and so are we. Follow TeraMovies for complete coverage.
