Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Unveil New DDLJ Statue in Leicester Square
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Unveil New DDLJ Statue in Leicester Square
Thursday 4 December: Today, the ‘King of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan and co-star Kajol today unveiled a new bronze statue in Leicester Square, celebrating their iconic roles in one of Indian cinema’s most beloved films, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
The statue has joined some of the most iconic characters in film history as part of our Scenes in the Square trail by our consumer initiative Discover Leicester Square which celebrates movie history and joins characters from iconic films such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington.
Often dubbed Bollywood’s Romeo and Juliet, 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 film also features Leicester Square in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths, albeit unbeknown to one another, before setting off on their European adventure.
DDLJ grossed over $32 million worldwide upon its 1995 release, quickly becoming a global phenomenon and the longest-running film in Hindi cinema history.
The statue launch kickstarts the 30th anniversary celebrations for the film, which continues its record-breaking cinema run in India today. 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.
With over 140 million followers on social media, the film’s lead Shah Rukh Khan went on to become the world’s wealthiest movie star, eclipsing Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, and appearing in more than 80 Hindi films, including twelve alongside Kajol, with DDLJ being their second collaboration.
Speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan said "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 and attending the ceremony today, as well as feeling all the love and appreciation from the crowd, has given me a moment I will never forget!”
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, and I’m truly touched by the love it continues to receive.”
Ros Morgan, Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, says: “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, and London’s first tribute to Indian cinema honours a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The electric atmosphere in Leicester Square today speaks to DDLJ’s remarkable global power, and this statue will draw fans back to the home of film and entertainment for years to come.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, added: “When DDLJ was released 30 years ago, it redefined Indian cinema, instantly making Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol icons and beloved by audiences all over the globe. With the film having touched so many hearts worldwide, as well as here in the United Kingdom, it is fitting that it should be recognised alongside glittering Hollywood legends like Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly, and Harry Potter. Attending the unveiling today, it was heartwarming to see how many fans attended and, on behalf of Yash Raj Films, it is an honour to be the first statue dedicated to Indian cinema in such an iconic location as Leicester Square.”