A new bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol has been unveiled in Leicester Square to mark the 30th anniversary of one of Indian cinema’s most famous films, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
The statue, which depicts the characters Raj and Simran, is the first time an Indian film has been honoured with a permanent figure in the central London landmark. It now forms part of the Scenes in the Square trail, joining characters from films such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins and Paddington.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol both attended the unveiling, along with Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and representatives from the Heart of London Business Alliance.
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!”
Kajol said the moment felt like revisiting a defining point in their careers, adding, “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.”
DDLJ featured Leicester Square in an early scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths before beginning their journey across Europe. The 1995 film went on to become the longest-running title in Hindi cinema, with a major cultural impact on South Asian communities worldwide.
The new statue stands alongside other well-known characters in Leicester Square and is expected to draw fans from across the world.
Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, said, “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.”
Yash Raj Films said the recognition reflects the global influence of DDLJ over the past three decades.
The statue is now open to the public as part of the free Scenes in the Square walking trail.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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