In a landmark event marking the 30th anniversary of Yash Raj Films' iconic Hindi blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a bronze statue of their characters, Raj and Simran, at London's Leicester Square. This installation is especially significant as the statue, which depicts a "romantic moment from the longest-running Hindi film of all time", becomes the first-ever Indian film to be honored with a permanent sculpture in Leicester Square, a location notably featured in the Aditya Chopra directorial.
Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin' in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman are other iconic characters that share the honours. So, the prominence is there for all to see.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, is proud. "As an Indian studio that has been on a mission to tell heartwarming Indian stories to the world for over 50 years now, it is a huge moment of pride to see DDLJ being honoured in the United Kingdom on the occasion of its 30th release year," he said.
Actress Kajol described the development as incredible, which is akin to "reliving a piece of our history". The unveiling proves that the story of Raj and Simran has "travelled across generations". This feat will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all the DDLJ fans across the world.
SRK said that DDLJ was made with a "pure heart". The Bollywood superstar also underlined the film's message that barriers don't exist for love. "DDLJ is part of my identity, and it is humbling," the actor added. "I feel immense pride knowing the film has been embraced around the world, and I want to share this moment with the entire cast and crew of DDLJ, my friend and director Aditya Chopra and the Yash Raj Films family," the Pathaan and Jawan star added.
