Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and his co-star Kajol have unveiled a stunning bronze statue in London's Leicester Square to commemorate 30 years since the release of their iconic film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ). This momentous occasion marks DDLJ as the first Indian film to receive recognition through the celebrated Scenes in the Square trail, which honors characters from films like 'Harry Potter,' 'Mary Poppins,' and 'Singin' in the Rain.'
The statue depicts the central characters Raj and Simran in a signature pose, paying homage to the iconic film that catapulted Shah Rukh Khan to global stardom. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance chief executive Ros Morgan.
In his address at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude for the enduring legacy of DDLJ, saying that it was made "with a pure heart" to tell a story about love that could bridge barriers. He stated that seeing the film and himself being celebrated is humbling, as it is part of his identity.
Kajol also shared her sentiments, saying it's incredible to see DDLJ continuing to receive love even 30 years later, reliving a piece of their history through watching the statue being unveiled in London. The Leicester Square location holds significant importance for the film, featuring prominently in an early scene where Raj and Simran unknowingly cross paths.
DDLJ's record-breaking run has cemented its place as one of India's longest-running films, with Aditya Chopra's 1995 romantic drama following two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a trip across Europe and India. The film became a cultural phenomenon upon release and holds the record for the longest theatrical run in Hindi cinema history.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed pride in seeing DDLJ being honored as a statue at Leicester Square, considering it a huge moment of pride for the Indian studio. This achievement marks the eleventh character installation in the Scenes in the Square trail and will undoubtedly be a memorable milestone for Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and fans worldwide.
The film's enduring legacy extends beyond its theatrical run, with stage adaptations like 'Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical,' which played in Manchester earlier this year.
The statue depicts the central characters Raj and Simran in a signature pose, paying homage to the iconic film that catapulted Shah Rukh Khan to global stardom. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance chief executive Ros Morgan.
In his address at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude for the enduring legacy of DDLJ, saying that it was made "with a pure heart" to tell a story about love that could bridge barriers. He stated that seeing the film and himself being celebrated is humbling, as it is part of his identity.
Kajol also shared her sentiments, saying it's incredible to see DDLJ continuing to receive love even 30 years later, reliving a piece of their history through watching the statue being unveiled in London. The Leicester Square location holds significant importance for the film, featuring prominently in an early scene where Raj and Simran unknowingly cross paths.
DDLJ's record-breaking run has cemented its place as one of India's longest-running films, with Aditya Chopra's 1995 romantic drama following two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a trip across Europe and India. The film became a cultural phenomenon upon release and holds the record for the longest theatrical run in Hindi cinema history.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed pride in seeing DDLJ being honored as a statue at Leicester Square, considering it a huge moment of pride for the Indian studio. This achievement marks the eleventh character installation in the Scenes in the Square trail and will undoubtedly be a memorable milestone for Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and fans worldwide.
The film's enduring legacy extends beyond its theatrical run, with stage adaptations like 'Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical,' which played in Manchester earlier this year.