The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship . Review on Dil Chahta Hai

Who is a friend?

Let's see how the dictionary answers this simple looking but somewhat complex question.

(a). A person whom one knows, likes and trusts.

(b). A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; comrade.

(c). One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group.

(d). An acquaintance.

The dictionary makes a few lapses though.

It doesn't speak of the long years that witness the budding rose of a friendship. It doesn't speak of the glee that glues on the whole atmosphere when friends are together. It doesn't speak of the benevolence, compassion & reassurance a friend can offer. It doesn't speak of the unbearable pain that one experiences when a friend is dying…

When friends get together they always have so much to talk about. It really doesn’t matter what they say, it’s just the fact that they are together. It’s one of the greatest joys friends share. It’s not about killing hours; it’s about living hours…

A friend is someone with whom we can share secrets. Gravity of the secret doesn’t matter. It’s the fact that with friendship comes trust, something that can and should never be broken.

In childhood, our idea of a good friend was the person who would let us have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one. Who shared their lunch with us when we forgot ours at home. Who would let us copy the social studies homework from the night before that we had forgotten about.

In youth, our idea of a good friend was the person who consoled us when we broke up with our significant other. Who helped us pack up our books and old stuffed animals when we had to leave the town due to dad’s transfer, but didn’t laugh at us when we finished & broke into tears. Who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they sent us off knowing we were loved.

At any stage of life, our idea of a good friend is still the person who holds our hand when we are scared. Fights off those who try to take advantage of us. Helps us put the past behind us but understands when we need to hold on to it a little longer. Stays with us so that we have confidence. Smiles for us when we are sad. Helps us become a better person. However, most importantly loves us and accepts us as we are…

The dictionary, I'm afraid, cannot begin to define the word… watching Dil Chahta Hai just may prove to be the better option.

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Dil Chahta Hai revolves around the lives of three persons who are as different as chalk, cheese and chocolate but yet there is one thing that ties them together – the great bond of friendship.

Akash (Aamir Khan) is a happy-go-lucky guy who isn't serious about life and doesn't believe in the ideology of love. He is happy with his two-week affairs and doesn't want to be chained by any kind of serious commitment.

Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) wants to be in love, simply because he is in love with the idea of being in love. Unfortunately for him though, he hasn't quite grasped the concept of it just yet. Wearing the heart on his sleeve, he is in constant search of his dream girl.

Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna) is mature, insightful, kind and understands the true meaning of love. His love isn't restrained but is pervasive. He feels it every moment. For his mother, for his friends, for that tulip in the garden, for the small puppy on the road. We can say that he is one person who has reached present-day enlightenment.

Dil Chahta Hai is about loss, self-discovery, hope and ultimately friendship. Friendship is for life. But life however is not a party by the beach and packs some nasty surprises. It is during this adversity, a true friend can help you relieve the gloom of your dark hours.

“But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,

All losses are restored and sorrows end.”

~William Shakespeare

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Aamir Khan

Awesome. Performed like a champion.

Saif Ali Khan

Excellent. One of his best bollywood performances.

Akshaye Khanna

Admirable. Shows what a wonderful talent he is.

Dimple Kapadia

Best among the female leads. Plays a complex role with an effortless ease.

Preity Zinta

Plays her part very well. Adds a touch of mainstream Indian cinema to the movie.

Sonali Kulkarni

Looks very cute. Gives a satisfactory performance in a small role.

Music, Cinematography, Story, Screenplay, Dialogues

Thumbs Up.

Director Farhan Akhtar

Sensational talent. Too good for a debut director.

Final Verdict

Welcome to a summer of their lives that you will never forget…

© Tanmay Singh, 2005