DDLJ statue unveiled in London

Movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol on Friday unveiled a new bronze statue in Leicester Square, London, celebrating their iconic roles in one of Indian cinema’s most beloved films, Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Marking the 30th year of Yash Raj Films’ blockbuster, the statue depicts central characters Raj & Simran in an iconic pose and celebrates the film’s everlasting impact. 

DDLJ is the first-ever Indian film to be honored with such a statue and joins iconic characters from historic films including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin' in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman. Speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan described DDLJ as “part of his identity” and said that it was humbling to receive so much love since it was released. 

Kajol said that it was incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years after its release. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history that has truly travelled across generations, she said. DDLJ tells the story of Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a trip across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross station.  

Since its release, DDLJ has become the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history, with even President Obama referencing DDLJ during an official visit to India. Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films stated that as an Indian studio, it is a huge moment of pride to see DDLJ being honored in the United Kingdom on the occasion of its 30th release year. To be recognized alongside Hollywood icons like Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly and Harry Potter shows the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over, he said.