On December 4, to mark three decades since Yash Raj Films’ landmark hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol stepped out in Leicester Square to unveil a new bronze statue of their beloved characters, Raj and Simran. The figure, posed in the way fans recognize, pays tribute to a movie that has woven itself into the hearts of South‑Asian communities worldwide.
This is the first time an Indian film has earned a permanent sculpture in Leicester Square, joining the company‑wide pantheon that now includes global icons like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, Singin’ in the Rain, Batman and Wonder Woman. Speaking up front, Shah Rukh Khan said, “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! 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.”
He added, “I am thankful to the people of the United Kingdom and the Heart of London Business Alliance for celebrating DDLJ and immortalising us with such a gesture. Seeing DDLJ become the first Indian film to be honoured in the iconic Scenes in the Square trail is an emotional moment and has brought back so many memories. I feel immense pride knowing the film has been embraced around the world, and I want to share this moment with the entire cast and crew of DDLJ, my friend and director Aditya Chopra and the Yash Raj Films family. This is a moment I will never forget!”
Kajol, reflecting on the significance, said, “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.” She went on to note, “Seeing it find its rightful place in Leicester Square, a location of such enormous significance to DDLJ, makes this moment even more special.” For the film to be celebrated in the UK – as the first Indian picture to receive this kind of recognition – will linger in the memories of DDLJ fans everywhere. “I’m grateful to everyone who continues to keep our film in their hearts for all these years,” she added. The event was attended by both Bollywood superstars, Yash Raj Film’s chief executive Akshaye Widhani, and the chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, Ros Morgan.
Widhani remarked, “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. Becoming the first Indian film to be immortalised as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly a humbling moment for us as a company. To be recognised alongside Hollywood icons like Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly and Harry Potter shows the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over, including in the UK. This tribute will spur us on in our creative journey, and we hope to continue entertaining people globally with inspiring stories from our incredible country.”
For those who don’t know, DDLJ follows Raj and Simran, two NRI protagonists who fall in love during a whirlwind journey across Europe and India, starting on a train from King’s Cross. Leicester Square itself is a fitting backdrop, as the original film opens with a scene where Raj watches her across the square’s famous square before they finally meet. When the movie first premiered in 1995, it exploded worldwide, becoming a touchstone for South‑Asian culture. Even President Obama mentioned it on a state visit to India.
The statue, unveiled today, marks the film’s 30th anniversary and underlines its record‑breaking run in India, as it continues to draw audiences in cinemas worldwide. The UK’s love for the film has also produced a new stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which recently played in Manchester.
– LatestNewsX
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