Himanta Biswa Sarma shares throwback 'Dil Chahta Hai' moment with old friends
Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a throwback photo with childhood friends on Instagram, calling it his own 'Dil Chahta Hai' moment and urging young Indians to travel and create memories — a rare personal aside from one of India's most combative state leaders.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a throwback photograph with old friends on his official Instagram handle on 17 May .
He described the memory as his personal Dil Chahta Hai moment, urging youth to 'go out, travel, create memories and explore the world.' The post drew wide engagement, with followers praising his candour and one user referencing PM Narendra Modi 's recent advice on travel.
Dil Chahta Hai , directed by Farhan Akhtar , stars Aamir Khan , Saif Ali Khan , and Akshaye Khanna and is considered a landmark in Indian youth cinema.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a nostalgic throwback photograph on 17 May, posting an old picture with his childhood friends on his official Instagram handle and drawing a warm parallel to the beloved Bollywood classic Dil Chahta Hai. The post quickly drew an outpouring of reactions from followers, with many praising the Chief Minister's candid glimpse into his personal life.
What Sarma Posted
Captioning the throwback image, Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote: 'Well years before Dil Chahta Hai was a thing, me and my friends had our Dil Chahta Hai moment! My young friends, go out, travel, create memories and explore the world, because this time is never going to come back.' The photograph appeared to capture a carefree getaway with a close-knit group of friends from his younger years.
How Followers Responded
The post resonated strongly with social media users. One follower commented: 'Sir, what a beautiful Dil Chahta Hai moment from your younger days! Seeing those old memories of you and your friends enjoying life together brings such a big smile. It shows that even before the movie, the spirit of friendship, adventure and making unforgettable memories was already alive in you.'
Another user posed a tongue-in-cheek question referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent advice to citizens: 'How are we supposed to explore the world sir? Should we disobey Hon. PM?' A third follower asked whether Sarma still remains in touch with the friends featured in the image, noting it was heartening to see him remember them after reaching such a prominent position.
About 'Dil Chahta Hai'
Written and directed by Farhan Akhtar, Dil Chahta Hai is widely regarded as a landmark in Indian cinema for redefining how youth narratives are portrayed on screen. The film features Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna as three inseparable college friends navigating life, love, and ambition together, with Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, and Dimple Kapadia in pivotal supporting roles.
A Rare Personal Moment
For a politician known for his sharp political positioning, the post offered a rare, unguarded window into Sarma's personal history. Such moments of relatability — a Chief Minister invoking a universally loved film to encourage the youth to travel and build memories — tend to resonate beyond political lines. The post underscores how public figures increasingly use social media to humanise themselves and connect with younger audiences.
Point of View
On its face, a light human-interest moment. But it also reflects a calculated social media strategy — one where politicians increasingly use nostalgia and pop culture to build relatability with audiences who may be indifferent to policy. The irony that a follower immediately linked Sarma's advice to PM Modi's recent guidance on travel — effectively turning a warm post into a political footnote — shows how little space exists for apolitical moments in today's public discourse. Whether the post lands as genuine warmth or managed optics depends entirely on the viewer.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma post on Instagram?
Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a throwback photograph with his old friends on his official Instagram handle, describing it as his personal 'Dil Chahta Hai' moment. He accompanied the post with a message urging young people to travel, explore, and create memories while they can.
What is 'Dil Chahta Hai' and why is it significant?
Dil Chahta Hai is a 2001 Bollywood film written and directed by Farhan Akhtar, starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna. It is widely regarded as a landmark in Indian cinema for redefining how friendship and youth culture are portrayed on screen.
How did social media users react to Sarma's post?
The post received widespread positive engagement. One user praised the spirit of friendship and adventure it reflected, while another humorously asked how young Indians could follow Sarma's travel advice in the context of PM Modi's recent guidance on the subject.
Why does this post matter beyond entertainment?
The post highlights how senior politicians increasingly use personal nostalgia and pop culture references on social media to humanise themselves and connect with younger, digitally active audiences — a trend visible across party lines in Indian politics.
