The bronze sculpture will be installed along the eastern terrace outside the Odeon cinema — the very spot featured in the movie where Raj stands in front of the Vue Cinema while Simran walks past the Odeon
In a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, a bronze statue celebrating Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will soon be unveiled at London’s famous Leicester Square. The announcement marks the first time a Bollywood film will be honored at the city’s prestigious ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail, alongside legendary characters like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, and Batman.
The Heart of London Business Alliance made the historic announcement on Wednesday, revealing that DDLJ’s beloved characters Raj and Simran — immortalized by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol — will soon be part of the vibrant cinematic legacy of Leicester Square. The unveiling, scheduled for Spring this year, coincides with the 30-year anniversary celebrations of the film, directed by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner.
Released in 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge remains one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated romantic dramas, following the star-crossed love story of two non-resident Indians, Raj and Simran, as they journey across Europe and India. Significantly, Leicester Square itself appears in the film, capturing the fateful first encounter between the two characters, making the location a poignant choice for the statue’s installation.
The bronze sculpture will be installed along the eastern terrace outside the Odeon cinema — the very spot featured in the movie where Raj stands in front of the Vue Cinema while Simran walks past the Odeon. Other London landmarks that appeared in the film include King’s Cross Station, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, and Horseguards Avenue, weaving a strong London connection throughout the narrative.
Speaking about the announcement, Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at the Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed excitement:
“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to add Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, such titans of international cinema, to our trail. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is not only one of the most successful Bollywood films of all time, but it is also the first movie featured on our trail that actually showcases Leicester Square itself. This is a fitting tribute to Bollywood’s global popularity and a celebration of London’s rich diversity. We are confident it will draw fans from around the world to Leicester Square, the home of film and entertainment.”
The significance of this event extends beyond just a tribute to the film — it recognizes the immense cultural impact Bollywood has had internationally, particularly among the over five million-strong British South Asian community. The statue joins a distinguished lineup of cinematic icons, including Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly from Singin’ in the Rain, Mr. Bean, and Wonder Woman.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, shared his pride at this recognition: “When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was released 30 years ago, it became a defining moment for Indian cinema, changing the face of the industry and capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. We are thrilled to be the first Indian film represented in ‘Scenes in the Square.’ This statue not only honors the film’s incredible journey but also celebrates the global love and joy it has inspired.”
He added, “We are honored that our superstars and our film are being recognized on a world stage, joining the Hollywood elite from Gene Kelly to Harry Potter. This milestone highlights the international appeal of Indian cinema and its power to connect communities across cultures through storytelling.”
DDLJ, starring not just Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol but also featuring veteran actors Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film’s timeless appeal was recently further solidified with the announcement of a new musical adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, set to debut at Manchester Opera House on May 29, 2025.
As London gears up for the statue’s grand unveiling, this historic gesture firmly places Bollywood among the world’s celebrated film industries — a testament to the enduring magic of DDLJ and the star power of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. For fans, the statue will be more than just a sculpture; it will be a pilgrimage site honoring a story that redefined romance and remains timeless even three decades later.
