On a rain-soaked December day in 2025, the heart of London’s Leicester Square pulsed with an unusual energy. Hundreds of fans—some carrying umbrellas, others clutching posters—gathered outside the iconic Odeon Luxe to witness a spectacle that would etch itself into both Bollywood and British history. As cameras flashed and cheers rang out, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of their beloved characters, Raj and Simran, from the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). This wasn’t just an act of nostalgia; it was a moment of recognition, pride, and cultural unity that spanned continents and generations.
The statue’s unveiling marks the first time an Indian film has been honored within Leicester Square’s celebrated “Scenes in the Square” cinematic trail, a public exhibition that already boasts bronze tributes to Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and other global legends. Now, Bollywood stands shoulder-to-shoulder with these icons, its influence and artistry permanently cast in the heart of London’s cinema district.
Released in 1995 by Yash Raj Films, DDLJ quickly became more than just a film. It evolved into a cultural phenomenon, especially for non-resident Indians and the South Asian diaspora. The story of Raj and Simran—two young Indians who fall in love while traveling across Europe and India—struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The film’s opening scenes, shot at King’s Cross Station and Leicester Square itself, gave it an indelible connection to London. For many British South Asians, DDLJ was more than entertainment; it was a mirror reflecting their own dreams, struggles, and identity.
“DDLJ was made with a pure heart. We wanted to tell a story about love, how it can bridge barriers and how the world would be a better place if it had a lot of love in it, and I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now,” Shah Rukh Khan reflected at the ceremony, according to BBC News. “Personally, DDLJ is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released.”
Kajol, standing beside her co-star and the statue immortalizing their iconic dance pose from “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna,” described the moment as “amazing” and “a little unbelievable.” She told the crowd, “It’s incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history—a story that has truly travelled across generations.”
The scene outside the Odeon was one of celebration and unity, with fans from across the UK and beyond braving the rain just to catch a glimpse of the stars and their bronze counterparts. Some had traveled for hours, recalling how DDLJ shaped their childhoods and teenage years. For many, the film’s music, dialogue, and emotional resonance have become a shared language, binding together generations of South Asians worldwide.
Mark Williams from the Heart of London Business Alliance captured the significance of the moment: “This statue is a celebration of Bollywood’s global appeal and London’s diversity.” The organization’s chief executive, Ros Morgan, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re proud to welcome global megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This is London’s first tribute to Indian cinema, honoring a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide.”
The statue’s placement is particularly poignant. Leicester Square isn’t just a tourist hub—it’s a symbolic crossroads of world cinema. In DDLJ, Raj and Simran’s paths first cross here, amidst the bustle of London life. Now, their story is woven into the very fabric of the city, their likenesses standing alongside cinematic greats like Gene Kelly, Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter, and superheroes Batman and Wonder Woman.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, summed up the pride felt by the film’s creators: “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. Becoming the first Indian film to be immortalised as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly a humbling moment for us as a company. To be recognised alongside Hollywood icons like Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly and Harry Potter, shows the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over, including the UK.”
The legacy of DDLJ is hard to overstate. The film has become the longest-running Hindi film in history—still playing daily in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema nearly three decades after its release—and has grossed over $32 million worldwide. Its influence has stretched beyond the screen, inspiring a stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which ran in Manchester earlier in 2025. Even former U.S. President Barack Obama referenced DDLJ during an official visit to India, underscoring its global reach.
For Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the statue unveiling was also a moment of lightheartedness. When asked by BBC News for marriage advice, Shah Rukh quipped, “Till now, you were a candidate I could’ve given advice to. After marriage, you’re on your own.” He added with a smile, “You must have romance, you must sing songs.” Kajol chimed in, “And you must have watched DDLJ.”
But the event was more than just a celebration of the past. It was a recognition of how Bollywood—and DDLJ in particular—has shaped and been shaped by the British-Asian experience. For the UK’s large South Asian community, the statue is a symbol of belonging, a public acknowledgment that their stories and heroes matter. It encourages diaspora communities to see their cultural icons embedded into international heritage sites, fostering a sense of pride and visibility.
The timing of the tribute also comes at a moment of change for Bollywood itself. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cinemas to close, and streaming platforms now compete fiercely for viewers’ attention. Kajol noted, “People suddenly have a choice of whether they want to go to the cinema or not. And if you have so much choice, it automatically makes it more difficult.” Yet, as Shah Rukh observed, communal experiences—like gathering to watch a film or celebrate a statue—remain deeply important. “We like to see things, enjoy things together,” he said.
As the rain subsided and the crowds lingered, the bronze Raj and Simran stood as silent witnesses to a new chapter in the story of DDLJ. Their presence in Leicester Square isn’t just a nod to a beloved film; it’s a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bridge cultures, spark joy, and bring people together—no matter where they call home.
