Marking 30th year of Yash Raj Films’ historic blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveil bronze statue of Raj & Simran at London’s Leicester Square

The ‘King of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan and co-star Kajol today unveiled a new bronze statue in Leicester Square, celebrating their iconic roles in one of Indian cinema’s
most beloved films, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).

 

Marking the 30th
year of Yash Raj Films’ historic blockbuster, the new bronze statue depicts central characters Raj & Simran in an iconic pose and celebrates the film’s everlasting impact on pop culture amongst South Asians worldwide. 

 

Taking its place alongside some of the most iconic characters in global film history as part of the hugely popular Scenes in the Square trail, the unveiling was attended by
both Bollywood megastars, as well as Yash Raj Film’s CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance’s Chief Executive Ros Morgan.  

 

Speaking at the launch,
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 film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released.”

  

“I am thankful 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 what this honour means to her, “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”, she added.

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. The location couldn’t be more fitting, with Leicester Square featuring in DDLJ in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths, albeit unbeknown to one another, before setting off on their European adventure.

Fittingly, the scene features two of the square’s cinemas prominently, with Raj seen in front of the Vue cinema, and Simran walking past the Odeon Leicester Square.  

Upon its 1995 release, DDLJ quickly became a global phenomenon and a defining cultural touchstone for South Asian communities around the globe. The statue marks the 30th anniversary celebrations for the film, which continues its record-breaking cinema run in India today. 

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. The film’s legacy in the UK also continued, with a new stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which ran in Manchester earlier this year. 

The DDLJ statue becomes the latest addition to Scenes in the Square, Leicester Square’s trail celebrating movie history, and joins characters from beloved films including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin’ in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman. 

 

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films,
added:
“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 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.”  

 

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance,
commented:
“We’re proud to welcome global megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to our Scenes in the Square trail. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a cinematic phenomenon that has shaped generations, and London’s first tribute to Indian cinema honours a story whose magic
continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The electric atmosphere in Leicester Square today speaks to DDLJ’s remarkable global power, and this statue will draw fans back to the home of film and entertainment for years to come.”

The
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge statue is now officially part of Leicester Square’s
Scenes in the Square trail. For the latest updates, visit:
https://www.leicestersquare.london/scenes-in-the-square/