Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol made history on Thursday as they unveiled a bronze sculpture commemorating their iconic 1995 film "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" at London's Leicester Square. The ceremony, held under umbrellas on a rainy London afternoon, marked a significant milestone as DDLJ became the first Bollywood film to be featured in the square's prestigious "Scenes in the Square" trail.
The bronze statue captures the beloved duo in a dancing pose from the hit song "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna," immortalizing one of cinema's most cherished romantic moments. Leicester Square holds special significance for the film, as it's the exact location where Khan's character Raj and Kajol's character Simran first cross paths unknowingly in the movie. The sculpture now joins an elite collection of cinematic tributes alongside statues of Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins, and Batman.
"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," Khan reflected during the unveiling ceremony. "I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now." The King of Bollywood's words emphasized the universal appeal that has made the film a cultural phenomenon spanning generations and continents.
Kajol, accompanied by her children Nysa and Yug, braved the London rain in an elegant green saree as she posed alongside Khan in front of their bronze likeness. "It's like re-living a piece of our history; a story that has truly travelled across generations," she said, capturing the emotional significance of the moment. The actress's presence with her family added a personal touch to the celebration, highlighting how the film's legacy continues through new generations.
The unveiling coincides with the 30th anniversary year of "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," which became a defining moment for Indian cinema when it was released three decades ago. Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, expressed his pride in this historic achievement. "When DDLJ was released 30 years ago, the film became a defining moment for Indian cinema and changed the face of the industry, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw it all over the globe," he stated.
"We're thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in Scenes in the Square," Widhani continued. "It also marks 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has spread love and joy globally, and shows the cultural impact it has had in the UK. We are honored that our superstars and our film are being recognized on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel & Hardy to Harry Potter."
This year has proven particularly special for the beloved romance, with additional celebrations extending beyond the statue unveiling. Earlier in the year, Manchester's Opera House hosted packed performances of "Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical," an English-language stage adaptation that brought the timeless love story to theatrical audiences. Director Aditya Chopra reprised his role from the original film to helm this stage production.
The musical adaptation offers a contemporary twist on the classic tale, following Simran as a young British Indian woman who finds herself engaged to a family friend in India through an arranged marriage. The plot takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a British man named Roger, creating a narrative that resonates with modern multicultural audiences while maintaining the essence of the original story.
The Leicester Square installation represents more than just a tourist attraction; it symbolizes the growing international recognition of Bollywood cinema and its cultural impact on global audiences. The statue serves as a bridge between communities, using the universal language of cinema to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. As Widhani noted, "This statue will be a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies and build bridges amongst communities through cinema."
The "Scenes in the Square" trail has become an ever-growing celebration of movie magic in a location packed with multiplex cinema screens, making it a fitting home for this tribute to one of Bollywood's most enduring love stories. The recognition places Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's contribution to cinema alongside some of the most celebrated characters and performers in film history, cementing DDLJ's place in the international cinematic landscape.
