Wanted To Own The Mercedes-Benz SL During DCH Shoot, Says Farhan Akhtar

At the recent launch of the new Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4Matic+, Bollywood actor, filmmaker, and musician Farhan Akhtar disclosed an interesting anecdote from the iconic film Dil Chahta Hai, which was released in 2001. Akhtar, who made his directorial debut with the film, shared that he was unable to buy the Mercedes-Benz SL, a luxury sports car prominently featured in the movie. The revelation offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges faced during the production of this coming-of-age classic that continues to captivate audiences even today.

During the film, one particular car managed to steal the spotlight—the Mercedes-Benz SL convertible. The sleek, elegant vehicle became an object of desire for many viewers. Its presence on the silver screen added an element of sophistication and class to the characters and their stories. Given its prominence in the film, one would assume that the director himself would have had no trouble acquiring the car for personal use. However, as Akhtar recently revealed, this was not the case.

In the interview, Akhtar admitted that despite his desire to own the Mercedes-Benz SL, he was unable to purchase it during the filming of Dil Chahta Hai. Akhtar explained that his financial situation at the time did not permit such an extravagant purchase. The car's presence in the film undoubtedly added to its appeal, but the story's strength and relatability went far beyond material possessions.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 24 that featured in the movie was equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-6 engine and four valves per cylinder, giving it the "24" designation. This engine was derived from the powerplant found in the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" of the 1950s. It developed 230 bhp and 273 Nm which helped it to attain a top speed of around 250 kmph, making it a potent sports car of its time. The power from the engine was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.