It’s been 29 years since Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) hit theaters, and its charm remains as potent as ever. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in leading roles, the movie redefined romance and became a benchmark for love stories in Bollywood. It also established Shah Rukh Khan as the ultimate romantic icon, winning the hearts of millions.
Celebrating this iconic milestone, Kajol shared a nostalgic moment on social media. The photo, capturing an emotional scene from the film, shows Shah Rukh’s character Raj carrying Kajol’s Simran. With a playful nod to the memorable Karva Chauth scene—where Raj fasts for Simran—Kajol wished fans by saying, “29 years to the OG of Karva Chauth… Wishing everyone a very hungry and successful Karva Chauth. Maybe head to Maratha Mandir and catch the film 😋 #29yearsofddlj #ddlj.”
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Released in 1995, DDLJ was produced by Yash Chopra and went on to become one of the longest-running films in Indian cinema, still occasionally playing at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. The movie wasn’t just a blockbuster but an emotional journey that captured the spirit of love, family values, and tradition with a modern twist. It also gave Indian audiences an aspirational idea of love and romance, encapsulated perfectly by Raj and Simran’s iconic journey from Europe to Punjab.
Apart from Shah Rukh and Kajol, the film boasted a stellar supporting cast, including Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher, Satish Shah, Himani Shivpuri, Parmeet Sethi, Mandira Bedi, and Pooja Ruparel. The chemistry between the leads, along with its soulful soundtrack and powerful dialogues, turned the film into a legend.
As the movie celebrates 29 years, its essence continues to inspire love stories. Whether it’s the unforgettable train scene, Simran’s longing gaze, or Raj’s playful charm, DDLJ holds a permanent spot in the hearts of fans.