In a first for Indian cinema, a bronze statue of Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol—depicting an iconic scene from the 1995 hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)—will be placed in London's Leicester Square.
It will be the first Indian film to be commemorated with a statue as part of the iconic 'Scenes in the Square' movie trail.
The Heart of London Business Alliance made the announcement on Wednesday that the statue would be unveiled this spring, well before the film's 30th anniversary on October 20, 2025.
Directed by Aditya Chopra in his directorial debut and produced under the banner of Yash Raj Films by Yash Chopra, DDLJ is one of the most popular Hindi films of all time. It chronicles the romance of Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians who meet while on a journey through Europe. The movie has a number of scenes filmed in the UK, including a crucial early scene in which the two protagonists pass each other near Leicester Square without realizing the other is there.
According to an official press release, the statue will be placed along Leicester Square's east terrace, near the Odeon cinema, and will tribute one of the iconic scenes in the film. DDLJ also includes some of London's most iconic sights like Horseguards Avenue, Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, and King's Cross Station.
Mark Williams, deputy chief executive at the Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed enthusiasm about including the legendary Bollywood duo in their celebrated trail.
“‘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. We’re in no doubt it will attract fans from all around the world to Leicester Square, the home of film and entertainment,” Williams said in an official statement.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani described the film’s recognition in the UK as a major milestone.
"Whenever 'DDLJ' was released 30 years ago, the film became a turning point for Indian cinema, touching the hearts of all who watched it everywhere in the world," he said.
We are thrilled to be the first Indian movie to be included in 'Scenes in the Square'. It is also 30 years of 'DDLJ', which has spread love and happiness across the world and demonstrates the cultural influence it has left in the UK.".
'We are delighted our stars and movie are being awarded on the world stage on equal terms to Hollywood royalty from Gene Kelly through to Laurel & Hardy to Harry Potter. The statue will be an excellent vehicle through which to express the worldwide reach of Indian film and connect communities through movies,' Widhani concluded.".
DDLL's legacy keeps going strong even decades after it was made. Adding to its international presence, a stage show called Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical is set to hit the Manchester Opera House on May 29 and bring the movie magic to a completely new fan base through musical theatre.
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