DDLJ Statue To Be Unveiled at London’s Leicester Square

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), the legendary romantic film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, continues to etch its legacy into cinematic history—this time on an international platform. The film, directed by Aditya Chopra and released in 1995, will be the first Indian film to be commemorated at London’s prestigious Scenes in the Square movie trail. A bronze statue of the iconic pair, Raj and Simran, will be unveiled in Spring 2025 at Leicester Square, a location that was featured in the film itself. This initiative honours the film’s 30-year anniversary and underscores the global cultural impact of Bollywood, particularly among the 5 million+ British South Asian community.

Key Highlights

Statue and Location

• A bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will be installed at Leicester Square, London.
• The statue captures the moment from DDLJ where Raj (SRK) stands outside Vue Cinema and Simran (Kajol) walks past the Odeon Leicester Square.
• The location is historically symbolic as Leicester Square features in the film, making it a fitting tribute.
• The statue will be placed on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon Cinema.

Timing and Occasion

• The unveiling is scheduled for Spring 2025.
• It coincides with the 30th anniversary of DDLJ’s release (originally released in 1995).

Global and Cultural Significance

• DDLJ becomes the first Indian and Bollywood film to be honoured in the Scenes in the Square movie trail.
• This inclusion acknowledges the immense popularity of Bollywood in the UK and globally.
• The trail celebrates 100 years of cinema with life-size statues of characters from iconic films.

DDLJ’s Legacy

• DDLJ is one of Bollywood’s most successful and longest-running films.
• Directed by Aditya Chopra, it was his directorial debut.
• Stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, with supporting roles by Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher.
• Tells the love story of Raj and Simran, two NRIs whose romance unfolds across Europe and India.
• The film became a cultural phenomenon, representing diasporic identity and traditional vs modern values.

Official Reactions & Statements

Mark Williams – Deputy CEO, Heart of London Business Alliance

• “It’s fantastic to have Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol join the Scenes in the Square trail. DDLJ is one of the most successful and important Bollywood films ever. It’s a tribute to the global popularity of Indian cinema and the diversity of London.”

Akshaye Widhani – CEO, Yash Raj Films

• “DDLJ changed the face of Indian cinema. To be recognised on this global stage alongside icons like Harry Potter and Gene Kelly is a proud moment. This statue represents the international appeal of Indian movies and cultural connection through cinema.”

Significance for India and the Diaspora

• Symbolizes the global recognition of Bollywood in mainstream international culture.
• Highlights the UK-India cultural connection, especially among British South Asians.
• Reinforces the idea that Indian cinema plays a key role in building cultural bridges.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	DDLJ Statue To Be Unveiled at London’s Leicester Square
Film Honoured	Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), 1995
Lead Actors in Statue	Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol
Director	Aditya Chopra
Scene Depicted	Raj near Vue Cinema; Simran near Odeon, Leicester Square
Statue Location	Eastern terrace of Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square
Unveiling Date	Spring 2025
Occasion	30th Anniversary of DDLJ
Significance	First Indian film in ‘Scenes in the Square’
Organised by	Heart of London Business Alliance
Cultural Impact	Celebrates Indian diaspora and Bollywood’s global reach