Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pair, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, created history in London as they unveiled a life-sized bronze statue dedicated to their timeless romantic classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). The ceremony took place in the heart of London’s entertainment district Leicester Square, home to numerous global cinematic landmarks and premieres.
This new statue, capturing the unforgettable chemistry of Raj and Simran, marks a moment of international pride for Indian cinema. Positioned as part of London’s famous “Scenes in the Square” movie statue trail, the sculpture celebrates the film’s enduring cultural impact nearly three decades after its release in 1995.
A Historic First for Indian Cinema in London
DDLJ’s addition to Scenes in the Square marks a monumental milestone it is the first-ever Indian film to be honored among global cinema legends in Leicester Square. With this inclusion, Shah Rukh and Kajol now share the prestigious platform alongside:
- Harry Potter
- Paddington
- Mary Poppins
- Laurel & Hardy
- Batman
- Mr. Bean
This placement recognizes DDLJ not just as a Bollywood classic but as a movie that has traveled across borders and touched millions worldwide.
The Statue Captures an Iconic Moment of Romance
The sculpture beautifully recreates one of the most memorable visuals from the film Raj holding an umbrella for Simran, a symbol of their blossoming love, hope, and cinematic magic. DDLJ revolutionized Bollywood romance and continues to be celebrated for showcasing emotion, family values, and the journey of love across cultures.
Designed by leading sculptors who worked closely with visual references from the film, the statue embodies elegance and nostalgia, instantly reminding fans of the iconic journey that Raj and Simran take across Europe and India.
Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates a Global Achievement
During the grand unveiling, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his excitement and emotional joy. He recalled the famous dialogue from the film “Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain,” and said that witnessing such a milestone in a “big country” like the UK makes this moment even more remarkable.
Khan highlighted how the love from fans around the world has kept DDLJ alive and relevant for over 29 years, proving that some stories remain timeless.
Kajol Reflects on the Film’s Everlasting Legacy
Kajol fondly remembered the days of filming DDLJ and shared that the film continues to be a warm reminder of innocence, young love, and dreams. She expressed her gratitude for how the movie still finds new audiences year after year especially younger generations discovering Raj and Simran for the first time.
Kajol described the statue as a “beautiful tribute not only to the film but to Bollywood’s emotional storytelling.”
1995 Classic with an Unmatched Box Office Record
Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Raj Films, DDLJ drew global acclaim from its very first screening. It went on to become:
- One of the highest-grossing Hindi films of its era
- A cultural cornerstone for Indian diaspora worldwide
- A redefining moment for romantic storytelling in Bollywood
The film holds a unique record: it is still screened daily at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre over 10,000 consecutive days, making it one of the longest-running films in cinema history.
This longevity plays a major role in why the film continues to be celebrated globally today.
London’s Love Affair with Bollywood
London has always shared a strong connection with Hindi cinema, especially with movies that capture the lives and dreams of Indians abroad. Leicester Square, being the center of countless Hollywood and world film celebrations, now proudly displays this tribute from Bollywood, showcasing India’s contribution to global entertainment.
Tourists, NRIs, and film admirers will now have one more reason to visit the area posing with the beloved Raj and Simran statue.
A Tribute to an Unforgettable Journey of Love
DDLJ’s message of love, family respect, and cultural harmony has resonated across generations. The movie not only boosted the careers of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, establishing them among the greatest romantic on-screen couples in history, but also introduced the world to a new era of Bollywood filmmaking.
The unveiling of this sculpture serves as a symbolic gesture Bollywood’s magical storytelling now stands firmly engraved in the heart of London, a city synonymous with world cinema.
Fan Frenzy and Global Applause
As expected, thousands of fans gathered around Leicester Square, celebrating with cheers, posters, and music from the film’s evergreen soundtrack from “Tujhe Dekha Toh” to “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna.” Social media exploded with excitement, with hashtags like:
- #DDLJinLondon
- #RajAndSimranForever
- #SRKKajol
Trending across multiple countries, proving that the magic of DDLJ is still alive and unstoppable.
A Permanent Home for Raj & Simran
This statue is more than just a sculpture it is a permanent symbol of DDLJ’s global influence:
- Strengthening Bollywood’s footprint in world cinema
- Celebrating nearly 30 years of timeless romance
- Honoring Indian filmmaking excellence in a historic international location
From Mumbai’s ongoing daily screenings to now becoming a part of London’s landmark attractions Raj and Simran have truly found a forever home in the city of film legends.
Love That Crossed Continents
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s emotional unveiling of the DDLJ statue is a monumental moment not just for Indian cinema, but for fans across the globe. The bronze sculpture immortalizes a love story that inspired millions and continues to define Bollywood romance.
As tourists and fans walk through Leicester Square taking photos, reliving moments, and humming the film’s melodies DDLJ will keep reminding the world that true love knows no borders.
“Jaa Simran, jee le apni zindagi!”
And now, Raj & Simran will keep living in London forever in love, forever iconic.
