Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have travelled to London to unveil a bronze statue commemorating their iconic roles in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), marking 30 years since the Yash Raj Films blockbuster first captivated audiences around the world.
The statue, depicting central characters Raj and Simran in one of the film’s signature poses, was unveiled on Thursday at Leicester Square. With this installation, DDLJ becomes the first Indian film to receive such recognition as part of the renowned “Scenes in the Square” trail.
The new statue now stands alongside existing installations honouring beloved characters from Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington and Singin’ in the Rain.
The unveiling ceremony was also attended by Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance Chief Executive Ros Morgan.
“‘DDLJ’ was made with a pure heart. We wanted to tell a story about love, how it can bridge barriers and how the world would be a better place if it had a lot of love in it, and I think this is why ‘DDLJ’ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now,” Shah Rukh Khan said at the event. “Personally, ‘DDLJ’ is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see the film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released.”
Kajol added: “It’s incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history – a story that has truly travelled across generations.”
Leicester Square holds particular significance in the film, as an early scene features Raj and Simran unknowingly crossing paths there before beginning their European journey. The moment highlights two of the square’s historic cinemas, with Raj appearing in front of the Vue and Simran walking past the Odeon Leicester Square.
Aditya Chopra’s 1995 romantic drama follows two non-resident Indians who fall in love while travelling across Europe and India, beginning their journey at King’s Cross station. The film became a cultural sensation upon release and remains the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history, continuing its theatrical run in India to this day.
“As an Indian studio that has been on a mission to tell heartwarming Indian stories to the world for over 50 years now, it is a huge moment of pride to see ‘DDLJ’ being honoured in the United Kingdom on the occasion of its 30th release year,” Widhani said. “Becoming the first Indian film to be immortalized as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly a humbling moment for us as a company.”
The film’s legacy continues with a stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which was performed in Manchester earlier this year.
The newly unveiled statue is the eleventh character installation in the Scenes in the Square trail, an initiative operated by the Heart of London Business Alliance with support from Westminster City Council.
