SRK, Kajol unveil bronze statue of Raj-Simran at London’s Leicester Square to mark DDLJ's 30th year

Marking the 30th year of Yash Raj Films’ historic blockbuster, the new bronze statue depicts central characters Raj & Simran in an iconic pose and celebrates the film’s everlasting impact on pop culture amongst South Asians worldwide.

The bronze statue becomes the first-ever Indian film to be honoured with a statue in Leicester Square, London, and joins iconic characters from historic films, including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin' in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.

Taking its place alongside some of the most iconic characters in global film history as part of the hugely popular Scenes in the Square trail, the unveiling was attended by both Bollywood megastars, as well as Yash Raj Film’s CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance’s Chief Executive Ros Morgan.  

Speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan said, “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!

"Personally, DDLJ is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released," he said.

“I am thankful to the people of the United Kingdom and the Heart of London Business Alliance for celebrating DDLJ and immortalising us with such a gesture. Seeing DDLJ become the first Indian film to be honoured in the iconic Scenes in the Square trail is an emotional moment and has brought back so many memories.

"I feel immense pride knowing the film has been embraced around the world, and I want to share this moment with the entire cast and crew of DDLJ, my friend and director Aditya Chopra and the Yash Raj Films family. This is a moment I will never forget!” SRK quipped.

Kajol, reflecting on what this honour means to her, said, “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.”

“Seeing it find its rightful place in Leicester Square, a location of such enormous significance to DDLJ, makes this moment even more special. For the film to be honoured in this way in the UK - the first Indian film to receive such recognition - is something that will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all the DDLJ Fans across the world. I’m grateful to everyone who continues to keep our film in their hearts for all these years," she added.

DDLJ tells the story of Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a trip across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross station. 

The location couldn’t be more fitting, with Leicester Square featuring in DDLJ in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths, albeit unknown to one another, before setting off on their European adventure.

Fittingly, the scene features two of the square’s cinemas prominently, with Raj seen in front of the Vue cinema, and Simran walking past the Odeon Leicester Square.  

Upon its 1995 release, DDLJ quickly became a global phenomenon and a defining cultural touchstone for South Asian communities around the globe. The statue marks the 30th anniversary celebrations for the film, which continues its record-breaking cinema run in India today. 

Since its release, DDLJ has become the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history, with even President Obama referencing DDLJ during an official visit to India.

The film’s legacy in the UK also continued, with a new stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which ran in Manchester earlier this year.