This October marked 30 years of one of India's most iconic and celebrated films, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Helmed by director Aditya Chopra and headlined by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, it remains one of those films that continues to charm audiences across generations with its timeless story of love and cultural values.
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Bronze tribute at Leicester square
Marking the occasion, a bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as Raj and Simran was unveiled at London's Leicester Square on Thursday, December 4. During the unveiling ceremony, the stars braved rain to address the fans and media, recreating their iconic poses from the film.
Shah Rukh Khan took to social media to share the special moment, uploading pictures and a video with Kajol beside the statue. " Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hain, Senorita! Thrilled to unveil the bronze statue of Raj & Simran at London’s Leicester Square today, celebrating 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)! ", he wrote. He also wrote, “Incredibly delighted that DDLJ is the first Indian film to be honoured with a statue in the Scenes in the Square trail. A big thank you to everyone in the UK for making this possible. Come meet Raj & Simran if and when you are in London… we would love to see you make more memories with DDLJ…”
Stars reflect on the film's enduring legacy
As per a report by ANI, speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan said the film was made with a pure heart 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 more love in it.”
He added, " 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!"
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Kajol termed the unveiling as “incredible.” According to her, seeing the story celebrated in London was reliving a part of history. “Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history - a story that has truly travelled across generations,” she said. She expressed gratitude to the fans for keeping the film alive in their hearts even after 30 years.
The stars looked stunning at the event: Shah Rukh Khan in a black suit while Kajol shimmered in her mint-green sari, adding to the celebration of an iconic film that went on to define romance in Indian cinema.
