Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Celebrate DDLJ's 30th Anniversary with a Statue in London

A Historic Tribute to DDLJ

Mumbai: In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the beloved film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran, at Leicester Square in London.

DDLJ has made history as the first Indian film to receive such an honor in Leicester Square, joining the ranks of legendary characters from films like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin' in the Rain, along with superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.

Expressing his thoughts on this remarkable achievement, Shah Rukh Khan admitted he never anticipated DDLJ would resonate so deeply with audiences. He stated, “I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of such a significant film. Honestly, none of us expected DDLJ to hold such a special place in people's hearts. While Adi (Aditya Chopra) and the team believed it would be well-received, I doubt anyone foresaw its monumental impact.”

Discussing the importance of the statue, Khan remarked, “This moment is very personal for both Kajol and me, as well as for the Indian film industry. The UK played a crucial role in our rise to fame. Although we were successful in India, our popularity soared overseas, particularly in the UK, which was the largest market for Indian films at that time.”

He reminisced about the film's production, saying, “It began as a project with a group of young filmmakers, including Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar, who was an assistant director back then. The shoot was a whirlwind experience, especially in Switzerland and England, where we filmed quickly and even managed to sneak in a scene at Leicester Square without anyone noticing.”

Khan concluded by emphasizing the pride this recognition brings to Indian cinema, stating, “This is a significant moment for Indian films, especially in the UK, which has been pivotal in showcasing our work to the world.”