In a historic celebration of cinema, the Heart of London Business Alliance has announced that Yash Raj Films’ legendary romantic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will soon be honoured with a bronze statue in the iconic Leicester Square. The statue will mark the first-ever tribute to Indian cinema in London and will join the beloved “Scenes in the Square” movie trail—an initiative that celebrates global film legends.
Set to be unveiled this Spring, the statue will depict Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in an iconic pose from DDLJ, symbolising love, nostalgia, and cultural connection. The announcement comes as part of the global celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary, marking three decades since this cinematic milestone first captured hearts worldwide.
Released in 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge remains a timeless classic. The film, directed by debutant Aditya Chopra, not only revolutionized Indian cinema but also bridged cultural divides with its diasporic love story. Set across Europe and India, it follows the endearing journey of Raj and Simran—two non-resident Indians whose love blossoms during a Eurotrip, beginning on a train from London’s King’s Cross Station.
Now, that story comes full circle.
The statue will find its home on Leicester Square’s eastern terrace, outside the Odeon Cinema—a location that serendipitously features in the film. In a memorable scene, the protagonists cross paths here without knowing what fate has in store for them. Simran walks past the Odeon, while Raj stands before the Vue Cinema—two symbols of British film culture now intertwined with a Bollywood legacy.
DDLJ will stand proudly among a pantheon of legendary screen characters immortalised in Leicester Square—joining the ranks of Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Mr. Bean, Paddington Bear, and Wonder Woman.
The film’s London connections run deep. Iconic locations such as Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, Horseguards Avenue, and King’s Cross Station all feature prominently in the film. For the British South Asian community—more than five million strong—DDLJ is not just a love story, but a cultural anchor, a rite of passage, and a reminder of home. The film’s enduring resonance led even former US President Barack Obama to reference it during an official visit to India, underscoring its global cultural impact.
As anticipation builds, DDLJ’s legacy continues to evolve. A stage adaptation titled Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical is set to debut at the Manchester Opera House on May 29, 2025, introducing a new generation to the magic of Raj and Simran.
The Leicester Square statue promises to be more than a tribute—it will be a landmark for South Asians around the world. A photograph. A memory. A moment frozen in bronze.
As Raj famously said, “Bade bade deshon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain”—in big countries, such small things keep happening. But in this case, it’s a very big thing indeed.
