Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol returned to London to mark a cinematic moment etched in Bollywood history, the unveiling of a bronze statue of Raj and Simran from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)’. Installed at Leicester Square’s famed Scenes in the Square trail, the statue celebrates 30 glorious years of the Yash Raj Films classic that continues to resonate across the world. The bronze sculpture captures the beloved duo in the iconic dancing pose from the evergreen song ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna’, instantly transporting fans back to the magic of the 1995 blockbuster. With this installation, DDLJ becomes the first Indian film ever to be honoured with a statue on the trail, joining global favourites such as ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Paddington’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, and Heart of London Business Alliance chief executive Ros Morgan. For the lead stars, the moment was emotional and deeply nostalgic. “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,” Shah Rukh said, expressing gratitude for the film’s enduring legacy. Kajol echoed the sentiment, “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.” Leicester Square holds a special place in DDLJ’s narrative. In one of the movie’s early sequences, Raj and Simran unknowingly cross paths in this very plaza, Raj in front of the Vue cinema, Simran walking past the Odeon. Decades later, their immortalised figures now stand in the same space, tying reel memories to real-world celebration. Directed by Aditya Chopra, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ tells the cross continental love story of two non resident Indians who meet during a European trip that begins at London’s King’s Cross station. Upon release in 1995, the film became a cultural phenomenon and remains the longestrunning film in Hindi cinema history, still drawing audiences to theatres in India. Akshaye Widhani described the honour as a proud milestone for Indian storytelling on global soil.Becoming the first Indian f ilm to be immortalised as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly humbling,” he said. Earlier this year, the film’s legacy also extended to the stage with a musical adaptation, ‘Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical’, performed in Manchester. London’s Scenes in the Square trail, where the statue is placed, is a popular film-lover’s attraction showcasing characters from across genres. Visitors can pose with Harry Potter, Mr Bean, Batman, Mary Poppins, Bridget Jones, and more, now joined by Bollywood’s most iconic couple. Set amid major cinemas, the trail celebrates global cinema heritage and invites fans from around the world to immerse themselves in movie nostalgia.
Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol Unveil DDLJ Bronze Statue in London, Marking 30 Years of the Iconic Film
