Indian cinema has achieved a major international milestone today, as a life-size bronze statue of Raj and Simran from the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) was officially unveiled in London’s Leicester Square. The permanent tribute, celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary, marks the first time an Indian cinematic work has been honored with a figure in the prestigious square, placing the beloved couple among Hollywood royalty.
The statue, which captures actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in their famous signature pose, was revealed in a special ceremony attended by the stars themselves. The monument joins Leicester Square’s “Scenes in the Square” film trail, standing near the exact spot where Raj and Simran first crossed paths in the 1995 blockbuster. Both Khan and Kajol recreated their classic pose alongside their bronze likenesses for the delighted crowd.
Speaking at the event, Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the film’s legacy: “DDLJ was made with a pure heart… I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now!” Kajol added that seeing the statue was like “reliving a piece of our history a story that has truly travelled across generations and borders.”
The DDLJ Statue Leicester Square tribute is a profound acknowledgement of the film’s global cultural impact, particularly among the British South Asian community. The statue stands as a powerful symbol of how a Bollywood romance became an indelible part of cinema history and London’s cultural landscape.
