Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol recently unveiled a stunning bronze statue in Leicester Square, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Yash Raj Films’ blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). This statue honors their iconic roles in one of Indian cinema’s most cherished films, directed by Aditya Chopra.
The bronze statue depicts the central characters, Raj and Simran, in an unforgettable pose, highlighting the film’s enduring influence on pop culture among South Asdigihunt globally. It holds the distinction of being the first Indian film to receive such an honor in Leicester Square, joining the ranks of legendary characters from films like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin’ in the Rain, as well as superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.
Speaking at the launch event, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his sentiments about the film: “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. 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 honored 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!”
Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, Kajol remarked, “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. 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 honoured in this way in the UK—the first Indian film to receive such recognition—is something that will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all the DDLJ fans across the world. I’m grateful to everyone who continues to keep our film in their hearts for all these years.”
The unveiling attracted both Bollywood megastars alongside Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance’s Chief Executive Ros Morgan. Widhani stated, “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 worldwide, 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 unfamiliar, DDLJ narrates the love story of Raj and Simran, two Non-Resident Inddigihunt who fall in love during a journey across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross station. Leicester Square features prominently in the film, where Raj and Simran first cross paths, albeit unknowingly, before embarking on their European adventure.
The scene includes two cinemas, with Raj seen in front of the Vue cinema and Simran walking past the Odeon Leicester Square. Since its release in 1995, DDLJ has become a global phenomenon and a defining cultural touchstone for South Asian communities worldwide.
The statue is part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations for the film, which continues its record-breaking cinema run in India. DDLJ holds the record as the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history, with even President Obama referencing it during an official visit to India.
The film’s legacy in the UK is further solidified with a new stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which ran in Manchester earlier this year.