Mumbai: Three decades after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) changed the face of Indian romance on screen, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol reunited in London to mark a milestone that no Indian film has achieved before. The beloved duo unveiled a bronze statue of their iconic “Raj and Simran” pose at Leicester Square, placing DDLJ alongside some of the world’s most celebrated films.
The statue becomes the first-ever tribute to an Indian movie as part of the Scenes in the Square trail, joining classics like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington and Singin’ in the Rain.To the fans around the world, it was a nostalgia, pride and pure cinema delight.
A Rain Soaked but Heartwarming Reunion
Despite the pouring London rain, Shah Rukh and Kajol arrived with bright smiles and infectious excitement. SRK was in his all black suit and dark glasses, with an umbrella in his hand to support himself and his long time co star. Kajol was simply gorgeous in a pastel blue saree, which she adorably covered against the drizzle as they posed to fans and photographers.
The two recreated their timeless DDLJ poster pose after unveiling the statue, sending fans into a wave of nostalgia. Their chemistry, friendship and laughter made the moment feel like a slice of 1995 brought back to life.
A Tribute Carved in Bronze
The statue captures Raj and Simran in one of their most memorable poses, forever immortalising the love story that touched millions. It has been installed as the 11th character tribute on the Scenes in the Square trail.
The grand ceremony was attended by:
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Kajol
- Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films
- Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance
This historic addition marks a global recognition of Indian cinema’s cultural influence.
SRK: “DDLJ Was Made With a Pure Heart”
At the event, Shah Rukh reflected on the film’s incredible journey. Speaking to Variety, he 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. That is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years. 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.”
SRK later added that the global reaction to DDLJ was something none of them expected when the film was first released in 1995.
Kajol Says “It Felt Like Reliving History”
Kajol shared her own emotional response, calling the moment surreal. She said:
“It is 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. It is a story that has travelled across generations.”
She also reflected on why Simran still resonates, saying that the character represents countless young women who try to balance tradition and freedom, duty and desire.
A Global Moment for Indian Cinema
With this statue, DDLJ now stands shoulder to shoulder with world famous film characters in London’s entertainment district. It represents the international journey of Indian cinema and glorifies the unparalleled heritage of a film that remains to define romantic narration.
As SRK said, history was made 30 years ago. And now, history has been honoured — in bronze, in London, and in the hearts of millions who still believe in “Come, fall in love.”
Why DDLJ Still Lives in Our Hearts
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, released in 1995, is one of the most iconic romantic films in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Aditya Chopra, is a classic love story of Raj and Simran, played by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol whose chemistry became a benchmark for Bollywood romance. The film was shot across stunning European locations like Switzerland before returning to the heart of Punjab for its emotional climax. DDLJ entered into history as the longest-running film in Indian cinema, screening daily shows in Marathi at the Maratha Mandir in Mumbai over decades.
The film is also the longest running movie in Indian cinema, continuing to play at Mumbai’s iconic Maratha Mandir even after 30 years. A fun trivia many fans love is that Aditya Chopra originally wanted Tom Cruise for the lead role before finalising Shah Rukh Khan, who at that time was known more for intense roles than romantic ones. Another little known fact is that the famous dialogue “Bade bade deshon mein…” was improvised on set by SRK. The songs, dialogues, and characters in the film have evolved over the years to be regarded as cultural wealth and so DDLJ is not merely a film but a memory of a generation.
Also Read | Palak Muchhal Speaks Out as Palaash Muchhal & Smriti Mandhana’s Wedding Stays Postponed
