by On December 4, 2025, Bollywood witnessed a defining moment in its global cultural journey. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the iconic duo whose on-screen chemistry shaped an entire generation’s understanding of romance, unveiled a bronze statue of their beloved characters, Raj and Simran, from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) at London’s legendary Leicester Square.
This statue does more than celebrate a film — it celebrates a cultural movement that began in 1995, traveled across continents, crossed linguistic boundaries, and remains one of the most cherished cinematic stories in world history. With this unveiling, DDLJ becomes the first-ever Indian film to be commemorated in Leicester Square’s revered Scenes in the Square trail, an honor previously reserved for Hollywood greats like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Batman, Wonder Woman, Singin’ in the Rain, and Paddington.
Despite the cold drizzle that shrouded London that day, fans and onlookers gathered in huge numbers, brimming with excitement to witness history being made. And history was indeed made — not just for Bollywood but for the vast global diaspora that has carried DDLJ in their hearts for three decades.
A Moment Etched in Bronze: Raj & Simran in Leicester Square
As the ceremonial covering slipped away, London’s grey skies reflected off the stunning bronze sculpture of Raj Malhotra and Simran Singh, frozen in the iconic pose that has lived rent-free in the memories of millions. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol themselves recreated this pose at the ceremony — he in a sharp black suit, she in a soft mint-green saree that seemed like a nod to the film’s timeless aesthetic.
The statue captures that quintessential moment: Raj extending his hand, Simran smiling with the promise of a love worth fighting for. A pose that defined hope. A pose that defined romance. A pose that defined Bollywood.
It was not just the pose that transported fans back to 1995, but the overwhelming nostalgia in the air — a nostalgia that unified fans from different countries, ethnicities, and generations. As passersby stopped to marvel, you could feel the collective heartbeat of South Asian cinema echoing through London’s busiest entertainment hub.
Why Leicester Square Matters: A Global Stage for an Indian Classic
Leicester Square is not just a location — it is a cinematic landmark. Known as the “home of premieres,” it has hosted some of the biggest film events in the world. From red carpets to historic celebrations, the square stands as a shrine to global movie culture.
Having DDLJ honored here carries symbolic weight. It is a recognition not only of the film’s massive popularity but also of India’s cultural power on the world stage.
For decades, Bollywood films have screened in London, and the UK remains one of its largest overseas markets. Many classic Hindi films — from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to Jab Tak Hai Jaan — feature London as a central location. But DDLJ stands apart. Its story begins in London. Its emotional world is deeply intertwined with the dreams and dilemmas of NRIs in the UK. Leicester Square, therefore, becomes the perfect place for immortalizing Raj and Simran.
This statue is more than a tribute. It is a declaration:
Indian cinema belongs on the global stage. And DDLJ paved the way.
DDLJ: A Timeless Story That Redefined Romance for Generations
Released on October 20, 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge came like a breath of fresh air. Bollywood had seen romances before — but not like this.
- A European backdrop
- A rebellious yet responsible hero
- A traditional yet strong-willed heroine
- Strict families
- Clashing cultures
- A love story that resonated across continents
For Indian audiences worldwide — especially NRIs — the film became more than entertainment. It became a reflection of identity. It addressed generational conflict, cultural duality, and the universal desire to fight for love without abandoning one’s roots.
The fact that DDLJ continues to run in theatres even three decades later is testament to its emotional resonance. It remains the longest-running film in Indian cinematic history, and has touched millions who continue to introduce it to their children, and now grandchildren.
To see this film honored at Leicester Square signifies that the world, too, acknowledges what South Asians have always known:
DDLJ is forever.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Emotional Tribute: “DDLJ Is Part of My Identity”
During the unveiling, Shah Rukh Khan delivered a heartfelt message that moved fans and media alike. His words reflected both nostalgia and gratitude:
“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 more love in it — and I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now!”
Shah Rukh Khan has always credited DDLJ as the film that transformed him from rising star to global icon. Even today, Raj Malhotra remains one of his most cherished identities.
He continued:
“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.”
He thanked the UK and the Heart of London Business Alliance for immortalising the film, adding:
“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.”
Shah Rukh later shared a nostalgic post on X, writing:
“Bade bade deshon mein, aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain, Senorita!”
One line — enough to melt millions of hearts.
Kajol’s Heartfelt Words: “A Moment That Will Stay Forever”
Kajol, radiant as ever, expressed her emotions with warmth and gratitude. She noted how surreal it felt to see a part of her youth immortalised in a place of such global significance:
“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.”
Kajol has often spoken about how DDLJ transformed her career and shaped her journey as an actor. The film remains inseparable from her public persona.
She continued:
“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 DDLJ fans across the world.”
Her words reflected what millions were feeling — joy, nostalgia, pride, and gratitude.
Why DDLJ Continues to Matter Even After 30 Years
Thirty years is a long time. Most films fade into memory within a decade, replaced by newer narratives and changing tastes. Yet, DDLJ stands unshaken — untouched by time, untouched by trends.
1. It Defined On-Screen Chemistry
Shah Rukh and Kajol remain Bollywood’s most-loved pair. Their chemistry is natural, unforced, and timeless.
2. It Captured the NRI Dream
A young generation, raised abroad yet rooted in Indian values, saw themselves in Raj and Simran.
3. It Balanced Tradition and Modernity
DDLJ delivered a new brand of romance — modern yet respectful of family.
4. It Gave Bollywood a Global Footprint
DDLJ became the entry point for millions of non-Indian viewers into Hindi cinema.
5. Its Songs, Dialogues, and Moments Are Embedded in Pop Culture
- “Ja, Simran, ja… jee le apni zindagi”
- “Palat… palat… palat!”
- “Agar woh mujhse pyaar karti hai toh woh palat kar dekhegi.”
These lines are not just dialogues — they are emotions.
6. It Reinvented the Romantic Hero
Raj was not macho. He was charming, respectful, funny, and emotionally expressive.
7. It Became a Cultural Bridge
The film allowed diaspora families to connect with their cultural heritage.
The unveiling of the statue in 2025 simply reaffirms what fans already know — DDLJ is not just a film; it is a cultural milestone.
Scenes in the Square: Where DDLJ Now Stands Among Global Icons
Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square installation features statues celebrating moments and characters from world cinema. With DDLJ joining this trail, Indian cinema proudly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global classics.
The company DDLJ now keeps:
- Harry Potter – The boy wizard loved worldwide
- Mary Poppins – A symbol of childhood wonder
- Batman and Wonder Woman – Icons of heroism
- Paddington Bear – A cultural favorite in the UK
- Gene Kelly from Singin’ in the Rain – A tribute to Hollywood’s golden era
For Raj and Simran to be placed here reinforces the message:
Bollywood has arrived — and its most iconic love story now lives permanently in the heart of London.
Fans React: An Outpouring of Global Love
Social media erupted with celebration. Hashtags like #DDLJ, #ShahRukhKajol, and #RajAndSimranInLondon trended worldwide.
People shared:
- Childhood memories
- Cinema hall experiences
- Photos with their partners imitating DDLJ poses
- Emotional posts about how the film shaped their ideas of love
NRIs in the UK were especially moved. Many called the statue “a piece of home in the middle of London.”
Across India, Taj Mahal may symbolize eternal love — but in Leicester Square, Raj and Simran now stand as Bollywood’s answer to it.
The Making of a Legacy: DDLJ Through the Years
To appreciate the significance of the statue, one must understand the journey of DDLJ:
- Directed by Aditya Chopra, who was only 23 at the time
- Produced by Yash Raj Films, one of India’s most respected studios
- Shot extensively in Europe and India
- Featuring relatable characters dealing with universal emotions
- Songs composed by Jatin–Lalit that continue to dominate wedding playlists
The film brought together two creative forces — Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol — whose energy created cinematic magic.
For decades, fans have gathered outside Maratha Mandir Theatre in Mumbai, where the film continued to run year after year. Many couples credit DDLJ for their love stories, proposals, or even marital inspiration.
The statue, therefore, is not a celebration of a single film — it is a celebration of an entire cultural revolution.
A Tribute to Yash Raj Films and Aditya Chopra
Shah Rukh Khan acknowledged the crucial role of YRF and director Aditya Chopra in shaping the film and its legacy. Their understanding of Indian values, global aspirations, and youthful romance created a cinematic masterpiece.
YRF’s vision positioned Indian cinema on an international pedestal long before global OTT platforms existed. DDLJ’s universal appeal helped Bollywood expand far beyond India’s borders.
The statue is as much a tribute to all those behind the scenes — writers, filmmakers, composers, technicians — who created a film that transcended time.
The Statue as a Symbol of Cross-Cultural Cinema
Cinema today is becoming more global than ever before. Indian films compete internationally, win awards, and attract diverse global viewership. But in 1995, this was not commonplace.
DDLJ broke barriers:
- It brought Indian storytelling to the Western mainstream
- It set new benchmarks for global distribution
- It paved the way for international recognition of Bollywood
The Leicester Square statue stands as a physical reminder of this cultural exchange. It symbolizes:
- the bridging of East and West
- the universal language of love
- the global reach of Indian cinema
In a world divided by borders, DDLJ remains a story that unites.
Conclusion: A Moment Immortalized in Bronze, A Legacy Carved in Hearts
As the rain fell softly on Leicester Square that December morning, and as crowds cheered for Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, one truth became crystal clear:
DDLJ is not just a film — it is an emotion that has lived for 30 years and will live for generations more.
The bronze statue is not simply metal — it is the embodiment of a love story that redefined romance, reshaped Bollywood, and reached millions worldwide.
Raj and Simran now stand proudly among global film icons in the heart of London, immortalized for all time. Fans will take photos, recreate poses, whisper dialogues, and relive memories as they walk past the statue. Couples will visit it as a pilgrimage. Elders will show it to the younger generation. And every South Asian who stands before it will feel a quiet pride — a recognition of culture, heritage, and identity.
This statue is a tribute not just to a film, but to every person who ever felt an emotion while watching it — whether it was love, longing, rebellion, family attachment, or the hope of destiny.
As long as cinema exists, DDLJ will remain its eternal love story.
And now, in Leicester Square, Raj and Simran will forever stand hand in hand — reminding the world that love truly conquers all.
