Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol unveil life-size Raj-Simran statue in London as Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ marks 30 years. Watch

The DDLJ statue was unveiled at London’s iconic Leicester Square, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol personally flying in for the ceremony.

As DDLJ turns 30, Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol celebrate it in London with life-size statue.

In October, Aditya Chopra’s cult classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) completed 30 years, marking three decades of an era-defining love story that continues to shape Indian pop culture. While Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir has famously kept the celebration alive by screening the film every single day since its release on October 20, 1995, this year, the tribute went global.

For the first time in history, an Indian film has been honoured with a life-size bronze statue of its lead characters. The Raj-Simran statue was unveiled at London’s iconic Leicester Square, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol personally flying in for the ceremony. Photos and videos of the event quickly went viral, capturing the actors standing before their bronze likeness in the film’s signature pose.

Kajol arrived draped in a striking ocean blue saree, while Shah Rukh Khan opted for a classic black suit.

Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol help unveil a new statue in London’s Leicester Square, to mark the 30th anniversary of their hit “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” pic.twitter.com/XSZ2Gu3TQW

— The Associated Press (@AP) December 4, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveil DDLJ statue in London.

Kajol and SRK posing next to their statue 💕 pic.twitter.com/2ypoB19kw3

— kajol updates (@kajolupdates) December 4, 2025

Reflecting on the film’s milestone, Shah Rukh Khan took to X and wrote, “Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hain, Senorita! Thrilled to unveil the bronze statue of Raj & Simran at London’s Leicester Square today, celebrating 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)! Incredibly delighted that DDLJ is the first Indian film to be honoured with a statue in the Scenes in the Square trail. A big thank you to everyone in the UK for making this possible. Come meet Raj & Simran if and when you are in London… we would love to see you make more memories with DDLJ…”

Kajol and SRK arrive in London for the DDLJ statue unveiling 🦋 pic.twitter.com/cAqdQZjREX

— kajol updates (@kajolupdates) December 4, 2025

Released in 1995, DDLJ earned Rs 102.5 crore, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Over time, it transcended the status of a hit to become one of the most successful and enduring Indian films in history.

ALSO READ | Veteran actor says Anubhav Sinha, Rajkumar Hirani made promises, never gave him work: ‘Bollywood wants darbaris, not actors’

The film’s global influence has been acknowledged in several prestigious compilations: It is one of only three Hindi films included in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. It ranks twelfth on the British Film Institute’s list of Top Indian Films of All Time. And in 2012, it was featured in the BFI Sight & Sound list of the 1,000 greatest films ever made, chosen by critics Rachel Dwyer and Sanam Hasan.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge marked Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut. He spent three years developing the script before presenting it to his father, Yash Chopra. While his parents immediately saw potential, many colleagues were skeptical of his unconventional take on romance. Undeterred, Aditya remained committed to his vision, insisting on complete creative control.

Story continues below this ad

The result? A film that redefined the Bollywood love story, shaped an entire generation’s idea of romance, and became an international cultural touchstone.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.