Dil Chahta Hai is the story of three friends Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Sid (Akshaye Khanna). Just out of college, they have different viewpoints about love. Sid loves a divorcee (Dimple Kapadia). Sameer, who constantly keeps falling in and out of love, finally settles for a girl (Sonali Kulkarni) chosen by his parents. Akash, who does not believe in love, goes to Australia to handle his father’s business. He meets Shalini (Preity Zinta) who is betrothed to another man and they become friends. Their friendship soon turns into love and Akash has to accept the inevitable.