A significant moment for Indian cinema in the UK is set to unfold as Leicester Square in London prepares to unveil a bronze statue of Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, captured in a beloved scene from the 1995 romantic hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
This will mark the first-ever statue dedicated to an Indian film in the heart of the British capital.
Scheduled to be revealed this spring, the statue pays homage to the cultural phenomenon that DDLJ has become, particularly among the over two million-strong British South Asian population.
Its inclusion in the ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail was confirmed on Wednesday by the Heart of London Business Alliance. The statue’s launch coincides with the film’s 30th anniversary—an enduring milestone since the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra.
“Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge follows two non-resident Indians, Raj and Simran, and their star-crossed love story across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross Station.”
The film has deep connections with London, particularly Leicester Square, which served as the backdrop to the pivotal moment where Raj and Simran unknowingly pass each other.
In that sequence, Raj is seen outside the Vue Cinema while Simran walks by the Odeon Leicester Square—two landmarks that prominently appear in the scene.
The statue will be installed on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon, honouring the memorable meeting place of the film’s leads. DDLJ also spotlighted several other iconic London sites, including Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, Horseguards Avenue, and King’s Cross Station.
DDLJ’s lasting impact in the UK is further highlighted by the forthcoming stage adaptation, Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, set to debut at the Manchester Opera House on 29 May 2025.
The monument will join a prestigious line-up of cinematic figures already featured in Leicester Square, such as Harry Potter, Mr. Bean, Mary Poppins, Batman, and Laurel & Hardy, symbolising Bollywood’s integration into mainstream global film culture.
Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, shared his thoughts: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema.
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.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, also reflected on the film’s legacy: “When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) was released 30 years ago, the film became a defining moment for Indian cinema and changed the face of the industry, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw it all over the globe.
We’re thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in ‘Scenes in the Square’. It also marks 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has spread love and joy globally and shows the cultural impact it has had in the UK.
We are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognized on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel & Hardy to Harry Potter.”
