MUMBAI: In a historic first for Indian cinema, the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is being commemorated with a bronze statue in London’s Leicester Square, as part of the celebrated ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail. This tribute marks a significant milestone, kicking off the 30th anniversary celebrations of the film that has become a cultural cornerstone for fans worldwide.
The statue will portray Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in one of the movie’s most beloved scenes. Scheduled for an unveiling this spring, the statue is a nod to the deep affection the British South Asian community—over five million strong—holds for the film. DDLJ has not only shaped generations of film lovers but also serves as a representation of the global reach of Indian cinema.
The film follows the story of Raj and Simran, two young Indians living abroad, whose love story begins on a train journey from King’s Cross Station and unfolds across Europe and India. Leicester Square itself makes a cameo in the movie, as Raj and Simran unknowingly cross paths there early in the story. The upcoming statue will be located outside the Odeon cinema, right where this memorable scene was filmed.
Several other London landmarks—including Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, Horseguards Avenue, and King’s Cross Station—also appear throughout the film, further strengthening the connection between the movie and the city.
DDLJ has had a massive impact not only on Indian cinema but also globally. Former U.S. President Barack Obama even referenced the film during a state visit to India, underscoring its cultural reach. In the UK, its legacy continues with Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical set to premiere at the Manchester Opera House in May 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan, who leads the cast and is one of the most followed actors in the world with over 140 million social media fans, joins a prestigious lineup at Leicester Square. The trail features timeless cinematic icons such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean, Paddington, and DC superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.
Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, said the statue will highlight Bollywood’s immense global popularity and celebrate London’s multicultural spirit. He emphasized the significance of DDLJ being the first film on the trail to actually showcase Leicester Square as a filming location.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani reflected on the movie’s groundbreaking success, calling DDLJ a turning point for Indian cinema. He expressed pride in its inclusion among such revered film icons, stating the statue is a testament to the power of Indian films to unite people across cultures through the magic of storytelling.
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