A landmark moment for Bollywood was celebrated in London’s Leicester Square with the unveiling of a bronze statue dedicated to ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ). Stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who brought the iconic characters Raj and Simran to life, were present for the ceremony marking the film’s 30th anniversary. This marks a historic achievement, as DDLJ becomes the first Indian film to be honored with a statue within the renowned ‘Scenes in the Square’ initiative.
Shah Rukh Khan took to social media to share the exciting news, posting photographs of himself and Kajol standing before their sculpted likenesses. He expressed his delight, stating, “Incredibly delighted that DDLJ is the first Indian film to be honoured with a statue in the Scenes in the Square trail.” He thanked the UK for the warm reception and opportunity to celebrate the film’s enduring legacy, encouraging fans to visit the statue in London.
Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Raj Films, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ has captivated audiences since its 1995 release. The film was a runaway success, both critically and commercially, with an estimated global collection of Rs 102.50 crore against its Rs 4 crore budget. Its continued popularity underscores its status as a timeless classic in Indian cinema, now permanently celebrated in London.