Sonali Kulkarni Reflects on Pooja: 25 Years of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and an Enduring Connection
Sonali Bendre revisits her character as ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ turns 25! (Image Credit: Instagram)
Twenty-five years after Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, ‘Dil Chahta Hai,’ captivated audiences, actress Sonali Kulkarni finds herself intimately connected to one of the film’s most beloved characters: Pooja. As the film marks a quarter-century milestone, Kulkarni fondly reminisces about Pooja, highlighting the intrinsic qualities that rendered her so relatable and the remarkable ease with which she continues to identify with the character.
For Sonali, embodying Pooja transcended mere acting; it was an instinctive convergence. The actress seamlessly breathed life into the young, candid, and effortlessly charming woman, revealing a profound personal resonance. “I have Pooja’s humour. I have Pooja’s ease,” Sonali revealed in an exclusive conversation, reflecting on the natural alignment she discovered within the character’s persona.
25 years of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’: Sonali Kulkarni on Transforming into Pooja
While Pooja’s intrinsic personality flowed naturally for Sonali, her now-iconic appearance was a meticulous creation by the film’s visionary creative team. Sonali credits costume designer Arjun Bhasin and hair stylist Adhuna for meticulously crafting Pooja’s distinctive visual identity. “The glamour quotient was added by Arjun Bhasin, our costume designer. The looks were designed by Adhuna. She cut my hair, and that was something that really added Pooja to me because I had long hair,” Sonali elaborated.
She continued, “In all my previous films, I had sported long hair, except in Daayra, where I had to wear a cropped boy-cut wig. But cutting my hair really changed my personality, and that is definitely to the credit of Adhuna and my entire look design team.” This transformative change extended beyond a mere haircut; Pooja’s relaxed fashion, vibrant wardrobe, and contemporary aesthetic became an integral facet of the character, introducing Sonali to an entirely new visual language.
What Made the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Character So Special
“I vibed well with Pooja. I understood her because she is a frank person, someone who wouldn’t lie. She is youthful and truthful,” Sonali affirmed. “Pooja is someone who opens up quickly, and she tells the truth – that she has a boyfriend. She isn’t beating around the bush. She isn’t hiding anything from the new person, Sameer, played by Saif, whom she meets.”
It was this unvarnished frankness and emotional honesty that particularly resonated with Sonali. Pooja’s approach to relationships was devoid of overcomplication or pretense. Her directness about her identity and emotions was a quality Sonali believes fostered an instinctive connection with the character. “She comes across very frankly, and that is the part of Pooja that I could connect with,” she added.
Sonali Kulkarni Says She Learnt Fashion from Her On-Screen Personality Pooja
Even after two and a half decades, Sonali regards Pooja as a character remarkably ahead of her time in terms of style and demeanor. The film injected a refreshing authenticity into the portrayal of young Indians on screen, from bold hair colors and vibrant clothing to comfortable, relaxed silhouettes.
“Apart from that, I loved being Pooja. There were fresh colours that ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ brought — in the sense of the hair colour, the costume colours. Men were seen wearing colourful trousers, girls were wearing easy, comfortable clothing and that’s something Pooja helped me learn,” Sonali shared. “In a way, you could say I learnt fashion from Pooja,” she concluded, highlighting the enduring influence of the character on her personal style.
About ‘Dil Chahta Hai’
Directed by Farhan Akhtar, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ featured an ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna. Released on August 10, 2001, the film continues to resonate deeply with younger generations for its groundbreaking coming-of-age narrative and its authentic depiction of friendship and self-discovery.
