Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s DDLJ Honoured with First Indian Film Statue in Leicester Square
Celebrating 30 years of the iconic romance, the bronze statue of Raj and Simran cements Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’s place in global cinematic history.
London’s Leicester Square, home to some of the world’s most celebrated film icons, is welcoming a new addition — and for the first time, it’s from Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a bronze statue today commemorating their roles as Raj and Simran in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), marking the first Indian film to be immortalised on the square.
The statue captures one of the film’s most recognisable moments, set in a location featured on-screen decades ago — a scene with Leicester Square’s cinemas in the background. Its placement cements DDLJ’s enduring connection with London audiences and South Asian communities across the globe.
Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the milestone: “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! 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 added, “Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history — a story that has truly travelled across generations. Seeing it find its rightful place in Leicester Square, a location of such enormous significance to DDLJ, makes this moment even more special.”
Released in 1995, DDLJ tells the story of two non-resident Indians who fall in love during a European and Indian journey, beginning with a train from King’s Cross. The film quickly became a global phenomenon, establishing a lasting cultural impact and becoming the longest-running Hindi film in history. Its legacy endures, with stage adaptations and continued admiration from audiences worldwide.
The statue is now part of Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square trail, joining icons such as Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Paddington, and Batman. Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a cinematic phenomenon that has shaped generations, and London’s first tribute to Indian cinema honours a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, added: “Becoming the first Indian film to be immortalised as a statue at a historic location like Leicester Square is truly a humbling moment. To be recognised alongside Hollywood icons shows the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over, including the UK.”
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.