Shahrukh Khan and Kajol unveiled the bronze statue of Raj-Simran in Leicester Square, London on completion of 30 years of DDLJ. This is the first Indian film to receive such recognition in the UK. The event symbolizes DDLJ’s global legacy and cultural impact.
Bronze statues of Raj and Simran were unveiled in London’s Leicester Square to mark 30 years of Yash Raj Films’ historic blockbuster ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ). This is the first time that an Indian film has been honored with a statue at this iconic location.
Shahrukh and Kajol gave new identity to 30 years of cultural heritage
‘King of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled the statue, which captures the iconic pose from the film. The statue symbolizes the huge cultural impact DDLJ has had over the last 30 years among South Asian communities.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshay Vidhani and Heart of London Business Alliance CEO Rose Morgan were also present at the event. The event was also a celebration of the deep cultural ties between India and Britain.
‘DDLJ is a part of my life, this honor is a very emotional moment’- Shahrukh Khan
On this occasion Shahrukh Khan said-
DDLJ was a film made with true heart. We wanted to tell a love story that crosses all boundaries. Perhaps this is the reason why the film has remained alive in the hearts of people for 30 years. The deep place the film created in people’s hearts was unexpected.
He further said that this honor is emotional and he dedicates this moment to the entire team, director Aditya Chopra and the Yash Raj Films family. He recalled that shooting for DDLJ in Switzerland and England was very spontaneous and fun, and even a quick scene in Leicester Square was shot without any information.
‘Like reliving history…this honor is unbelievable’- Kajol
Kajol said that the experience was like reliving the history of the film.
The installation of the statue in Leicester Square is special because the place has a direct connection with the film. This is the first Indian film to receive such an honor in the UK.
Kajol said that DDLJ’s name being registered in the Guinness World Records shows the historic journey of this film. He said that this statue will become a new symbol of emotional connection for Indians and South Asians coming to the UK.
Special importance of London location related to DDLJ
Leicester Square is also where a scene from DDLJ was filmed – where Raj and Simran unknowingly meet each other for the first time. Famous cinemas such as the View and Odeon Leicester Square are also part of the scene.
DDLJ: Cultural icon for Indian and South Asian communities
DDLJ, released in 1995, soon became a global sensation. It is the longest running film of Hindi cinema and continues to have record performances in India even today. Former US President Barack Obama has also mentioned this during his visit to India.
DDLJ’s legacy growing in UK – musical and now statue
It was recently staged as Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical in Manchester, bringing the film’s legacy to a new generation.
‘Proud to take Indian stories to the world’ – Yash Raj Films
YRF CEO Akshay Vidhani said that DDLJ receiving this honor in Britain is a proud moment for Indian cinema. He called this a testament to the film’s widespread cultural impact and global recognition.
Raj-Simran’s love story-from UK to India
DDLJ is the story of Raj and Simran’s love journey – which starts from King’s Cross Station and reaches India. Leicester Square, where the statue stands, is the symbolic location of that initial meeting.
The film’s historic success continues even today
From 1995 till today, DDLJ has remained a cultural phenomenon. The statue is now part of Leicester Square’s ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail, which already features iconic characters such as Harry Potter, Paddington, Mary Poppins and Wonder Woman.