LONDON (Diya TV) — A bronze statue of Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol from the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was unveiled December 4 in Leicester Square, London. The installation celebrates the 30th anniversary of the blockbuster movie and marks the first permanent tribute to Indian cinema in the city.
The statue joins the award-winning Scenes in the Square trail as its eleventh sculpture. It captures a famous moment from the 1995 film when the characters Raj and Simran cross paths in the square. Positioned between the Odeon and Vue cinemas, the statue reinforces Leicester Square’s long-standing connection to global cinema.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, often called DDLJ, tells the story of Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a trip across Europe and India. Their journey famously begins on a train from London’s King’s Cross station.
The film has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among the British South Asian community, who have long requested a permanent tribute. The unveiling taps into this strong cultural connection while attracting high foot traffic in one of London’s busiest entertainment hubs. Earlier this year, the film’s legacy in the UK was highlighted through a stage adaptation called Come Fall In Love—The DDLJ Musical, which ran in Manchester.
Shah Rukh Khan expressed his excitement at the launch, saying, “It is so exciting to see our statue unveiled today in London, a special place where our DDLJ story began all those 30 years ago. Seeing how the film has been embraced around the world fills me with immense pride.”
Kajol added, “I never thought Simran and Raj would one day be sharing space with Harry Potter and Mary Poppins, but here we are in Leicester Square! It’s such a lovely tribute to a film that has been part of my life for three decades.”
Ros Morgan, chief executive at the Heart of London Business Alliance, emphasized the significance of the statue. “We’re proud to welcome global megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to our Scenes in the Square trail. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a cinematic phenomenon that has shaped generations,” Morgan said. She added that the statue will continue to attract fans to Leicester Square for years.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, said the film “redefined Indian cinema, instantly making Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol icons loved by audiences worldwide.” Widhani noted that the statue honors Indian cinema alongside Hollywood legends such as Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly, and Harry Potter.
Now in its fifth year, Scenes in the Square has grown into a major cultural attraction in London. Launched in 2020 with support from Westminster City Council, the trail has welcomed more than 100 million visitors. It features iconic characters, including Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, Mr. Bean, and Daniel Kaluuya’s role in Get Out.
The addition of the DDLJ statue marks a milestone for the trail and London’s celebration of international cinema. Fans from around the world can now see Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol immortalized in one of the city’s most famous public spaces.
The statue not only honors a beloved Bollywood classic but also celebrates the global reach of Indian cinema. It highlights Leicester Square as a hub for film lovers and serves as a bridge between cultures. As Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol shared their memories with fans, it became clear that the magic of DDLJ continues to inspire new generations.
