The timeless love story of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, is hitting a major milestone—30 years since its release—and the celebrations are kicking off in a big way. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the iconic Bollywood film, often called the gold standard of romance, gets immortalized with a bronze statue in London’s Leicester Square. The unveiling, set for this spring, is a heartfelt tribute to the movie’s global impact, and Shah Rukh and Kajol are at the heart of the festivities, celebrating a legacy that’s still winning hearts worldwide.
Raj and Simran in Bronze
The statue captures Raj and Simran—Shah Rukh and Kajol’s unforgettable characters—in a classic pose from the 1995 blockbuster, right outside the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square. It’s a perfect spot, considering the film features the square itself, where the star-crossed lovers first brush past each other. This isn’t just any honor—it’s the first Indian film to join the “Scenes in the Square” trail, rubbing shoulders with legends like Harry Potter and Gene Kelly. The moment feels like a victory lap for DDLJ, which has been running at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theater for decades, earning its stripes as Indian cinema’s longest-running film.
Shah Rukh and Kajol Reflect
Shah Rukh and Kajol have been vocal about what this milestone means. Kajol’s called it a “phenomenon,” admitting nobody saw this kind of enduring love coming when they made it. Shah Rukh, ever the charmer, has shared how the film’s mix of heart, humor, and family values still feels fresh. Their chemistry—playful, passionate, and downright magical—turned Raj and Simran into household names, and fans are thrilled to see them celebrated in bronze. Social media’s exploding with nostalgia, with folks sharing favorite lines like “Bade bade deshon mein…” and gushing over iconic scenes like Simran running to catch Raj’s train.
A Global Celebration in the Making
The Leicester Square statue isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s the spark for a year-long party. Plans are swirling for special screenings, maybe even a re-release in theaters, and there’s talk of the stars showing up for the unveiling, which would send fans into a frenzy. The film’s already got a musical, Come Fall in Love, hitting the stage in Manchester soon, proving its story still has legs. From mustard fields in India to snowy Swiss Alps, DDLJ’s visuals and songs like “Tujhe Dekha To” are etched in memory, and this celebration feels like a chance to relive it all.
Some Say the Statue Belongs in India
Not everyone’s just cheering, though. Some fans wish the statue was in India, closer to where the movie’s roots are, arguing Mumbai or Delhi deserves it more. Others are crossing their fingers that the unveiling doesn’t get overshadowed by logistics or bigger global events. But those gripes are drowned out by the overwhelming love for a film that redefined Bollywood romance, blending tradition with chasing your heart’s desire. It’s a tale that’s inspired countless movies since, and its fanbase spans generations, from aunties who saw it in ’95 to Gen Z kids discovering it on streaming.
A Monument to Love, Legacy, and Cinema
For Shah Rukh and Kajol, this is more than a pat on the back—it’s a testament to a film that changed their careers and Indian cinema forever. They’ve been sharing throwback photos and heartfelt posts, stirring up all the feels. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just love a good story, this 30-year bash is a chance to celebrate a movie that’s less about a time or place and more about that universal spark of love. So, keep an eye out for that Leicester Square unveiling—it’s not just a statue, it’s a monument to a classic that’s still stealing breaths after all these years.