Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol travelled to London this week to mark a special milestone, the 30th anniversary of their iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). The beloved on-screen pair went back to Leicester Square, where several scenes of the film were shot, and celebrated the moment with fans who gathered in huge numbers despite heavy rain.
Shah Rukh and Kajol unveiled a bronze statue of their famous characters Raj and Simran. The statue shows them in the classic pose from the song Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, making DDLJ the first Indian film to be honoured with a permanent statue on the popular Scenes in the Square trail.
A historic moment for Bollywood
The unveiling was a proud moment for Indian cinema. DDLJ, which released in 1995, is the longest-running film in Indian film history and is often called the “Romeo and Juliet” of Bollywood. Its love story, music and locations became cultural symbols for an entire generation.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were welcomed by cheering fans, many of whom waited hours to catch a glimpse of the stars. People screamed, took photos and waved posters as the actors arrived to reveal the statue.
Speaking to BBC News afterwards, Shah Rukh said the statue felt like having “a life-size doll.” He joked with Kajol, saying, “I think I’m looking very handsome. You’re looking very pretty,” to which Kajol laughed and replied, “It’s like a second thought, but thanks.”
The statue now stands alongside other famous characters such as Harry Potter, Paddington and Bridget Jones on the Leicester Square trail.
SRK gives marriage advice
During an interview with the BBC, Shah Rukh Khan was asked to share advice for newlyweds. Before he could answer, Kajol jumped in with a joke: “All his films are about before marriage, not after marriage.”
Shah Rukh laughed and agreed, saying, “Till now, you were a candidate I could’ve given advice to. After marriage, you’re on your own.” He still offered a simple message: “You must have romance, you must sing songs.” Kajol added, “And you must have watched DDLJ.”
The London connection
Many scenes of DDLJ were shot in and around London, including Leicester Square and King’s Cross station. The film’s early moments, including Raj and Simran’s first meeting, were filmed in Europe and remain among Bollywood’s most iconic sequences.
Shah Rukh said the statue’s location is “very befitting,” explaining that the UK audience played a big role in helping Indian cinema grow internationally. “England’s audience has been very responsible for Indian cinema’s takeoff globally in modern times,” he said.
The 60-year-old actor also said he was excited to show the statue to his three children. Kajol, who is also a highly respected actor in the Indian film industry, said the honour felt “amazing” and “a little unbelievable.”
Fans celebrate Bollywood’s global influence
London has a large Indian and South Asian community, and Bollywood films have enjoyed a loyal audience there for decades. Fans at the event described DDLJ as a film that shaped their childhoods and teenage years.
For many, the reunion of Shah Rukh and Kajol brought back memories of the 90s, when their films together became huge hits. Their chemistry remains one of Bollywood’s most loved pairings.
The Heart of London Business Alliance, which runs the Scenes in the Square trail, said the tribute recognises the worldwide cultural impact of DDLJ. Ros Morgan, the group’s chief executive, said, “We’re proud to welcome global megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This is London’s first tribute to Indian cinema, honouring a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide.”
DDLJ’s lasting legacy
DDLJ changed the course of Hindi cinema when it was released in 1995. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the romantic drama blended Indian values with modern storytelling and instantly became a landmark film. It has played in a Mumbai theatre for nearly three decades, making it the longest-running Indian film.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, said the statue is a “huge moment of pride.” He added that being recognised alongside global icons like Harry Potter and Mary Poppins shows “the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over.”
Although DDLJ remains timeless, Bollywood itself has gone through big changes, especially after the pandemic. Cinemas were closed for months, and many viewers switched to streaming platforms. Box office numbers have not fully returned to pre-2020 levels.
Kajol said competition for people’s attention has grown. “People suddenly have a choice of whether they want to go to the cinema or not. And if you have so much choice, it automatically makes it more difficult.”
Shah Rukh added that community viewing still matters. “We like to see things, enjoy things together,” he said.
What’s next in line for SRK?
Shah Rukh has worked in films for more than 30 years. Over time, he has grown from an actor into a global figure who owns a major production company and a cricket team. In 2023, he re-entered films after a four-year break and has since returned to box office success.
Recently, he also entered the billionaire club, becoming one of the world’s richest actors. This places him alongside global stars such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tiger Woods.
SRK has teased his upcoming action film King. However, when asked if he would ever consider playing James Bond, he laughed and said, “No. I don’t have the accent. And I don’t like shaken martinis.”