Celebrating 30 years of cinematic magic, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) has been immortalized with a bronze statue in London’s famed Leicester Square. The statue, featuring the beloved characters Raj and Simran, represents a pioneering moment as the first Indian film to be honored in this iconic location. The unveiling ceremony was attended by the film’s lead actors, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who shared their profound appreciation for the tribute. Khan spoke about the film’s universal theme of love and its ability to transcend boundaries, which he believes is the reason for its enduring legacy. He described the honor as humbling, acknowledging the immense love the film and its stars have received since its release. Kajol echoed these sentiments, finding the moment deeply emotional, especially given the statue’s placement in a square that holds a special connection to the movie. She conveyed her gratitude to the fans for keeping the film alive in their hearts for three decades. The event also saw the presence of Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and Ros Morgan from the Heart of London Business Alliance. Widhani expressed the company’s pride in seeing an Indian narrative achieve such global recognition, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned international film figures. The statue not only commemorates DDLJ’s 30th anniversary but also celebrates its unparalleled run in Indian cinema and its significant impact on South Asian culture globally.
