Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol returned to London this week for a moment that blended nostalgia, cinema history, and a touch of personal emotion. The celebrated Bollywood duo unveiled a bronze statue of their Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge characters at Leicester Square on December 4, marking three decades since the iconic film first reached audiences. For many fans who grew up with Raj and Simran, the ceremony felt like a reminder of why DDLJ still holds a special place in popular culture. The life-size statue, capturing the pair in the beloved pose from the song “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna,” now stands along the popular Scenes in the Square trail, a walkway featuring tributes to major figures from global cinema.
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With its installation, DDLJ becomes the first Indian film to be honored in this prominent public space. The milestone also brings Bollywood into a lineup that includes characters such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, and Batman. Additionally, Shah Rukh and Kajol’s reunion at Leicester Square carried added significance because parts of DDLJ were filmed in London. The surrounding streets formed the backdrop for some of the early scenes between Raj and Simran, setting the tone for a story that crossed cultures and charmed audiences far beyond India. Standing beside the newly unveiled sculpture, the actors acknowledged how deeply intertwined the film has become with the city. The film premiered on October 20, 1995, and quickly emerged as one of Indian cinema’s most influential love stories.
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The narrative revolves around two young non-resident Indians who meet during a European vacation and suddenly fall in love. While the plot was based on tradition and family expectations, its settings in Switzerland, London, and rural India made it appeal to a worldwide audience. Nearly 30 years later, DDLJ continues to screen daily at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema, where it has become a cultural fixture. The statue unveiling drew considerable attention online, helped along by a few candid family moments. Kajol attended the event with her children, Nysa and Yug, who joined their mother and Shah Rukh for a brief photo moment. In one widely shared video, Shah Rukh is seen holding an umbrella as Kajol calls her children over. Nysa smiles easily for the cameras, while Yug appears more reserved. The brief clip soon went viral, with admirers reacting affectionately and humorously.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Shah Rukh Khan pondered on how fast time had passed. He remarked that, despite the fact that the picture was released three decades ago, the recollections still felt quite fresh. He thanked audiences for their continuous support for Raj, stating that no one involved in the film could have predicted the film’s global popularity. Kajol praised Simran’s long-term relevance, adding that the character continues to resonate because she represents the balance that many young women strive for between tradition and personal individuality. She said Simran remains close to her heart, and each time someone quotes the famous line, “Ja Simran, ja,” it echoes the belief that choosing courage does not mean abandoning one’s roots.
Mark Williams, deputy chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, called Shah Rukh and Kajol “titans of international cinema” and said their inclusion in the Leicester Square trail reflects the significance of Bollywood’s impact in the United Kingdom. He noted that the sculpture is not just a tribute to the film but also a recognition of how Indian cinema has become part of the cultural fabric of London’s entertainment district. The Scenes in the Square route, which is near prominent venues such as the Odeon and Vue, has become a popular family attraction for visitors and cinema fans. With DDLJ now featured among its sculptures, Bollywood lovers have a new cause to pause and commemorate a love story that continues to captivate viewers worldwide.
