Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol reunited in London to mark three decades of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge with a special unveiling at Leicester Square, this time in bronze. The pair stood together as a life-size statue capturing one of the film’s most recognisable poses was revealed, a first for an Indian movie on the city’s Scenes in the Square trail.
The sculpture recreates the familiar frame of Raj and Simran, and the stars posed for pictures beside the new landmark. Shah Rukh wore a black suit while Kajol opted for a blue saree, and their appearance drew attention both from fans and from those celebrating the film’s lasting influence.
Shah Rukh shared his excitement on X and Instagram, opening his caption with a line fans instantly recognise.
“Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hain, Senorita!”
He went on to write:
"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..."
Directed by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has long been regarded as a touchstone of modern Indian romance. Its characters, Raj and Simran, have stayed part of popular culture for generations, and the movie’s long theatrical run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir underlines its extraordinary, enduring appeal.
Reflecting on the milestone, Shah Rukh said in a statement: “It doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years since 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' released. It feels like it happened yesterday because ‘bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain….’ but it still feels unbelievable."
He continued.
"I’m truly grateful for all the love that I have received from people from across the world for playing Raj - nobody could have foreseen the kind of place the film made in the hearts of people around the world and I will never forget the moment when everyone started to come...see the film and fall in love.”
Kajol, too, spoke to the movie’s legacy: “There’s a piece of DDLJ in almost every romantic film that came after it, because somewhere, history was made and it never quite left us. For me, Simran is a chapter that refuses to end. She represents millions of girls across this country - girls who want to do what their parents say, who carry tradition in one hand but still reach out for freedom with the other. That’s why she still resonates. Every time someone says, ‘Ja Simran, ja', it signifies the belief that courage and love can coexist."