In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, a life-size bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) has been unveiled at London’s iconic Leicester Square — the first time an Indian film has been honoured in such a manner.
To commemorate the film’s 30-year legacy, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol flew to London and personally unveiled the statue, which captures the beloved Raj and Simran in their signature pose from the film. Images and videos from the ceremony have taken the internet by storm, triggering a wave of nostalgia among fans across the globe.
Kajol attended the event wearing a striking ocean-blue saree, while Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a classic black suit — a fitting homage to the timeless elegance of the film.
A Milestone Tribute to a Cultural Phenomenon
Released in October 1995, Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ revolutionized the romantic drama genre and became a defining piece of Indian pop culture. Even today, Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir continues to screen the film daily — a tradition upheld for three decades.
Speaking at the event, Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the milestone and the film’s enduring connection with audiences:
“It doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years since Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge released. It feels like yesterday because bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain… but it still feels unbelievable. I’m truly grateful for all the love. Nobody could have imagined the place this film holds in people’s hearts around the world.”
A Global Legacy
Upon its release, DDLJ earned ₹102.5 crore — making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 1995. Over the years, it transcended commercial success and became a cultural landmark, influencing fashion, music, storytelling, and the global perception of Bollywood.
Its international relevance is reflected in multiple honours:
- Featured among 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
- Ranked 12th on the British Film Institute’s Top Indian Films of All Time
- Included in the BFI Sight & Sound list of the 1,000 Greatest Films Ever Made (2012)
A Film That Defined a Generation
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge marked Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut — a passion project he spent three years writing before presenting it to his father, filmmaker Yash Chopra. Despite skepticism from industry peers, Aditya insisted on full creative control and went ahead with his unconventional vision of modern romance.
The result was not just a film — but a generational memory, a cinematic benchmark, and now, a permanent symbol in one of the world’s most famous public squares.
Three decades later, Raj and Simran still aren’t just characters — they’re a legacy.