Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol celebrated 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) by unveiling a bronze statue of their characters from the movie, Raj and Simran, at London's Leicester Square, creating a heroic moment for the Indian cinema fans worldwide. The statue featuring the duo's classic pose from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge officially becomes the first ever installation honouring an Indian Film in the renowned Scenes in the Square trail.

SRK also shared pictures on his social media accounts, writing he was "incredibly delighted" to see DDLJ become immortalized in London, inviting fans to meet "Raj and Simran" whenever they visit the city.

DDLJ's Legacy: Raj, Simran & 30 Years of Unmatched Phenomenon

Released in 1995 and directed by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge remains one of the most beloved films in Indian cinema. Its enduring charm has made Raj and Simran iconic characters, deeply tied to the identities of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The film continues to run in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir, holding the record as the longest-running movie in the history of Hindi cinema.

Kajol reflected on the moment, saying the statue unveiling felt like "reliving a piece of our history," while Shah Rukh Khan described DDLJ as part of his identity.

DDLJ is the story of Raj and Simran, who meet in London and fall in love on a trip in Europe, but Simran is taken back to India for an arranged marriage, and Raj decides to go to India in order to win the bride as well as her family's blessings. The film's legacy includes unforgettable performances from an ensemble cast, including Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal as the parents of Simran, and Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri), who became one of the film's emotional pillars.

Why Leicester Square Matters to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

30 Years of DDLJ celebrated by unveiling a statue of Raj and Simran by SRK and Kajol at Leicester Square. Image credit: @iamsrk via X
30 Years of DDLJ celebrated by unveiling a statue of Raj and Simran by SRK and Kajol at Leicester Square. Image credit: @iamsrk via X

The tribute at London's Leicester Square carries significant meaning for the fans of DDLJ. Parts of the movie were filmed in the area, including an iconic scene where Raj and Simran unknowingly cross paths. The statue now stands alongside beloved global characters like Harry Potter and Mary Poppins, cementing DDLJ's global impact.

Leicester Square's Heart of London Business Alliance and Yash Films executives, including CEO Akshaye Widhani, attended the ceremony. Widhani called the moment "a huge pride for Indian storytelling," noting that DDLJ is the first Indian film to receive such a tribute in the UK.

Beyond the Statue: The film, Its Stars & Its Unbreakable Bond with Fans

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge didn't just create a blockbuster; it crafted a cultural phenomenon. The chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, seen again in classics like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Karan Arjun, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, set standards for Bollywood romances for generations.

The unveiling, graced by Yug and Nyasa, Kajol's children, reinforces how DDLJ has traveled across generations, proving that even after three decades, its heart still beats strong.

As 30 Years of DDLJ are celebrated, the film continues inspiring stage musicals, global screenings, and now, a permanent symbol in London honouring the love of Raj and Simran.

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