Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol Unveil DDLJ Statue in London

Sculpture Design and Location: The life-size bronze sculpture recreates the early moments of the film when Raj and Simran unknowingly pass each other for the first time on a London street, capturing their youthful energy and serendipitous connection. It is located on the east terrace outside the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, a bustling hub for film premieres and tourism. Designed by sculptors Glynn Andrews and Jo Kirk, the statue symbolizes DDLJ’s enduring global appeal and romantic narrative rooted in London’s iconic landmarks.

Opening Ceremony Despite the cold rain, hundreds of fans gathered as Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol lifted the lid of the statue amidst cheers and the soundtrack of the film. Key participants included; Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani and Heart of London Business Alliance chief Ros Morgan highlighted the region’s commitment to cinema history. While Khan considered DDLJ a “pure-hearted” project that promotes love across borders, Kajol shared that she felt “some of our own past is coming back”, evoking nostalgia for the cast and crew.

Cultural Impact of DDLJ Directed by Aditya Chopra, DDLJ revolutionized Indian cinema by blending themes of romance, family values ​​and diaspora and became the longest-running film worldwide, which still continues to be shown daily at the Maratha Mandir theater in Mumbai after 30 years. Leicester Square stands out as the point of chance meeting of the heroes, strengthening the London connection with other filming locations such as King’s Cross station, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and Horseguards Avenue. The event kicks off year-long anniversary celebrations, including a stage musical recently staged in Manchester, highlighting the film’s impact on Bollywood’s international legacy.