Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol unveil DDLJ statue in London as film marks 30 years

Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a life-size bronze statue of their beloved characters, Raj and Simran, from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) at London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday. 

The sculpture commemorates the film’s 30th anniversary, celebrating a romance that has transcended generations since its release in 1995.

The statue is part of the prestigious Scenes in the Square trail, making DDLJ the first Indian film to be memorialised at this historic entertainment hub. Placed alongside global cinematic legends like, Batman, Mr. Bean and Wonder Woman and more. The installation marks a significant cultural moment, acknowledging Bollywood’s global reach and the film’s enduring legacy.

Speaking at the unveiling, Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude, “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.”

Kajol echoed the sentiment, “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”.

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The statue recreates one of the film’s signature poses, instantly evoking nostalgia among fans who gathered at Leicester Square to witness the historic moment. Videos from the event show crowds cheering as SRK and Kajol revealed the sculpture, capturing a rare reunion of the iconic on-screen pair.

The statue marks a proud moment, celebrating a film that shaped an entire generation with a user commenting, “MY FAVOURITEST ON-SCREEN COUPLE FOREVERRRRR” Another adding to the excitement,” Raj & Simran + DDLJ = My Golden Era.”  

“The first indian actors to be immortalized in leicester square srk & kajol. DDLJ didn’t just make history, it became history.” So, to say that people are happy with the unveiling might be an understatement.

Since its release, DDLJ has become one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films, holding the record for the longest-running theatrical release and shaping the romantic-drama template for an entire generation. The London statue now serves as a global tribute to the film’s cultural impact, cementing Raj and Simran’s place not only in Bollywood history but also in world cinema.

As celebrations continue across the world marking 30 years of DDLJ, the Leicester Square installation stands as a symbol of nostalgia, cinematic history, and the timeless appeal of the film that redefined love for millions.