Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol Unveil DDLJ-Themed Bronze Statue In London

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol visited London to reveal a bronze sculpture of Raj and Simran from "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," marking 30 years of the Yash Raj Films release. The statue shows the beloved characters in their famous pose and stands in Leicester Square, making "DDLJ" the first Indian film featured on the Scenes in the Square trail.

The artwork joins existing statues of major global screen icons, including characters from "Harry Potter," "Mary Poppins," "Paddington" and "Singin' in the Rain." The public unveiling took place on Thursday, drawing fans and film lovers to central London and underlining how the 1995 romantic drama still connects with audiences across different countries and generations.

DDLJ Leicester Square statue and the star reactions

The ceremony was attended by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, along with Yash Raj Films chief executive officer Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance chief executive Ros Morgan. For many present, the event felt like both a celebration of Indian cinema overseas and a nostalgic moment linked to one of Hindi cinema's most influential love stories.

Khan reflected on the film's journey and its emotional pull. "'DDLJ' was made with a pure heart. 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, and I think this is why 'DDLJ' has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now," Khan said at the launch. "Personally, 'DDLJ' is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see the film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released."

Legacy behind the DDLJ Leicester Square statue

Kajol spoke about how the statue links the past with the present. Kajol added: "It's incredible to see 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history - a story that has truly travelled across generations."

The Leicester Square setting holds special meaning for "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." Early in the film, Raj and Simran cross paths there without realising it, before their European trip begins. The sequence highlights two well-known cinemas around the square, with Raj seen near the Vue and Simran passing the Odeon Leicester Square.

DDLJ Leicester Square statue and film history

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the 1995 film follows two non-resident Indians who meet while travelling across Europe and India. Their story starts at King's Cross station, then moves through scenic locations before returning to India. On release, the film became a cultural landmark and still holds the record as the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history, with shows continuing in India.

Akshaye Widhani linked the honour to the studio's broader aims. "As an Indian studio that has been on a mission to tell heartwarming Indian stories to the world for over 50 years now, it is a huge moment of pride to see 'DDLJ' being honoured in the United Kingdom on the occasion of its 30th release year," said Widhani. "Becoming the first Indian film to be immortalized as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly a humbling moment for us as a company."