London: A golden chapter of Indian cinema is now going to be immortalized on the streets of London. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the 1995 blockbuster film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ), a bronze statue of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol will be unveiled at London’s famous Leicester Square to honor them. This is the first time that an Indian film is receiving such an international honor, which underlines Bollywood’s global reach.
The magic of ‘DDLJ’ in the statue
This bronze statue will show Shahrukh and Kajol in the iconic pose of the film, which is etched in the hearts of the audience. It will be unveiled later this year and will be installed on the eastern balcony of Odeon Cinema. Its first glimpse has been revealed in the trailer of the ‘Cinema in the Square’ campaign, which has created a wave of excitement among the fans. Akshay Vidhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films said, “30 years ago, ‘DDLJ’ changed the face of cinema. The film has become synonymous with love across the world. We are proud that it is the first Indian film to be included in ‘Scenes in the Square’.”

Why is Leicester Square special?

Leicester Square holds a special significance in ‘DDLJ’. In the film, it is the place where Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) cross paths for the first time during their trip to Europe, though they do not recognise each other until then. The two cinemas in the square—Vue Cinema and Odeon Leicester Square—are clearly visible in this scene. This scene became a symbol of the film’s opening exciting meeting. Apart from this, other famous locations of London like Hyde Park, Tower Bridge and King’s Cross Station are also part of the film, connecting it to a global audience.

Musical magic of ‘Come Fall in Love’

To make this celebration even more grand, there will also be a musical presentation named ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ on 29 May. This musical will present the story of the film in a new way, which will prove to be an emotional journey for the audience. Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, said, “DDLJ is one of the most influential Bollywood films ever. Leicester Square has got a special place in it, so it is an honor for us to make it a part of ‘Cinema in the Square’.”

Wave of excitement among fans

On hearing this news, a wave of happiness has run among the fans of Shahrukh and Kajol. A fan from Mumbai, Neha Sharma, says, “The pair of Raj and Simran is a part of my childhood. It will be like a dream to see their statue in London.” At the same time, Rahul Mehta, an Indian origin living in London, said, “This is a proud moment for us. I will definitely go there on the day of unveiling.” ‘DDLJ 30’ is also trending on social media, in which fans are refreshing old memories.

Bollywood’s global move

‘DDLJ’ is not just a film, but a cultural milestone. Released in 1995, this film is still considered the definition of romance. It gave a new identity to Indian cinema not only in India but also abroad. Film critic Anuj Rai says, “DDLJ showed that Indian stories can cross borders. This honor in London further strengthens its legacy.” He believes that this move will give Bollywood more heights on the global stage.

What’s next?

With the unveiling of this statue, the magic of ‘DDLJ’ will come alive once again. It is not only a tribute to the Shahrukh-Kajol pair, but also a symbol of the strength of Indian cinema. Now fans are eagerly waiting for the day when Raj and Simran will be cast in bronze forever in Leicester Square. This moment will be memorable not just for the film but for every viewer who ever dreamt of falling in love with ‘DDLJ’.