Dil Chahta Hai released in 2001 still remains one of the best friendship movies. The classic film directed by Farhan Akhtar starred Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Saif Ali Khan in titular roles and their characters resonated with the audience. Well, Akash’s role played by Aamir was initially offered to Akshaye Khanna who eventually played Siddharth. However, the latter with a big heart gave his part to Aamir when he expressed desire to enact that particular character. Farhan Akhtar made these revelations as the movie completed 23 years on August 23. 

Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai which gained wide recognition and over time earned a classic title in Indian cinema. In an interview with Faye D’Suoza, the filmmaker spoke highly about Akhsyae Khanna reflecting on an anecdote from his first movie as a director. Akhtar approached Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan until Aamir Khan agreed to join the cast but he liked some other role than approached. Akshaye who was already locked for Akash graciously let go of his role to do the movie.  

Farhan recalled, "I have experienced true grace from Akshaye Khanna. When I met him for Dil Chahta Hai, I had offered him the role of Akash, which Aamir ended up doing. When I approached Akshaye at that point, I wanted to cast two other younger actors, so I went to Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan, who were just one film old at that time. But they had other plans, and that didn't happen, so I had to go for the slightly older generation of actors for Dil Chahta Hai.” 

He went on to add, “After dar dar ki thokrein khake, I showed the script to Aamir. He told me that since he had done a couple of serious roles, he wanted to play the role of Akash. Akshaye calmly told me that he loved the film and knew it had to be made. He said, 'I will play that part.' It's rare to come across actors who let go of roles so gracefully."