In a remarkable first for Indian cinema, Bollywood legends Shahrukh Khan and Kajol will soon have their Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) pose immortalized in bronze at Leicester Square, London. The installation, scheduled for Spring 2025, celebrates nearly three decades since the film’s release and will join the prestigious Scenes in the Square movie trail.
The statue marks the first time an Indian film has been honored in Leicester Square’s cinematic tribute. DDLJ, released in 1995, is not only one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time but a cultural phenomenon that bridged audiences across continents. Shahrukh Khan and Kajol’s legendary pose — evoking timeless romance — will now stand alongside world cinema icons like Harry Potter, Mr. Bean, Batman, and Mary Poppins.
The choice of Leicester Square is no coincidence. In DDLJ, Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) cross paths in a pivotal scene shot in the area, unknowingly beginning their love story. In that frame, Raj stands near the Vue cinema while Simran walks past Odeon Leicester Square — where the new statue will be placed.
The statue will be positioned on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon, adding Shahrukh Khan and Kajol to a legendary lineup that already features Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, and Wonder Woman. “This is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood,” said Mark Williams, Deputy CEO of Heart of London Business Alliance. “We’re excited to showcase DDLJ — the first film in the trail that actually featured Leicester Square in its story.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, expressed pride in DDLJ’s enduring influence. “The film changed Indian cinema forever and continues to resonate across generations,” he said. “Having Shahrukh Khan and Kajol represented on a global stage alongside Hollywood legends speaks volumes about the power of Indian storytelling.”
The statue announcement follows another exciting update for fans — the launch of a new musical titled Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, which will premiere at Manchester Opera House on May 29, 2025. The musical aims to bring the beloved love story to Western audiences in a fresh format.
As Indian cinema continues to make waves globally, this honor solidifies Shahrukh Khan’s status as a global cultural icon. The Leicester Square statue will not only commemorate the 30th anniversary of DDLJ but also underline Bollywood’s power to unite people across cultures. From a film that captured hearts in India and beyond, to a statue that will become a tourist attraction in the heart of London — this is more than a tribute. It’s a celebration of love, cinema, and the enduring legacy of Shahrukh Khan.
The Heart of London Business Alliance has announced that a new statue celebrating the iconic Bollywood hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will be added to the exciting Scenes in the Square movie trail in Leicester Square in London. The bronze statue is set to be unveiled this Spring. It will feature Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in an iconic pose from DDLJ. The DDLJ statue will be placed alongside some of the most iconic film characters in cinema history, such as Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean, Paddington, and DC Superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.
Yash Raj Films said that the announcement highlights the deep affection the film holds within the vibrant British South Asian community, which numbers over five million. The scene for which the statue will be erected is one of the most iconic moments from Aditya Chopra directed film DDLJ. It features Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan, standing in front of the Vue Cinema, while Simran, portrayed by Kajol, walks past the Odeon Leicester Square. This memorable scene is etched in the hearts of millions of fans, symbolizing the romance and magic of the film.
According to Yash Raj Films (YRF), the new statue will be strategically placed along the eastern terrace outside the Odeon Cinema. This location has been carefully chosen to honor the iconic scene, ensuring that the statue is a fitting tribute to one of Bollywood's most beloved films. Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, shared his excitement about the addition of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's statues to the Scenes in the Square movie trail, joining a host of celebrated international film icons. He referred to it as a "fitting tribute to Bollywood's global appeal and a celebration of the vibrant diversity that defines London."
Mr. Williams said, "It's fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one of the most successful and important Bollywood films of all time, and we're excited by the prospect of bringing to the trail the first film that actually features Leicester Square as a location. The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London's rich diversity," as per a press note shared by YRF. The placement in such a prominent spot in Leicester Square will allow fans and visitors alike to relive this timeless moment from DDLJ and celebrate the enduring legacy of the movie.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the landmark film produced by Yash Chopra. The celebrations for this iconic film, one of the most beloved and successful Hindi blockbusters ever made, will kick off with the unveiling of the statue. A timeless, multi-award-winning romantic comedy, DDLJ not only became a cultural phenomenon but also marked the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra.
