It's been 30 years of ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) this year. Interestingly, this year in spring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s 1995 blockbuster by Yash Raj Films is set to become the first-ever statue (bronze) honouring Indian cinema in London in an iconic DDLJ pose.
The location, that is Leicester Square is the same that features in the film in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths.
The new statue will reportedly be positioned along the eastern terrace, outside the Odeon cinema. In the UK, a new musical based on DDLJ, ‘Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical’, is set to start at the Manchester Opera House on May 29, 2025.
Akshay wadhwani CEO Yashraj films, reportedly, said that we are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognised on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel; Hardy to Harry Potter.
Here's why we ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) remains a beloved classic even 30 years after its release:
1: Timeless storyline: Scores of filmmakers have tried to decode and replicate the DDLJ formula but none came close to it. This absolutely fantastic film that takes right down the lane of nostalgia, remains as timeless as ever. Now will it be watched with the same interest about a century later? That remains to be seen but as of now the film has stood well for three decades
2. Universal theme: The film's themes of love, family, and tradition continue to resonate even today. And who doesn't love the Raj and Simran's enchanting chemistry and their European getaway! It still feels warm, dreamy, and so aspirational!
3. Cinematic brilliance: DDLJ marked a significant shift in Bollywood's narrative style, influencing many films that followed.
4. Iconic soundtrack: The film's music, composed by Jatin-Lalit, remains evergreen, even cult classics, with some very lovable and endearing songs like "Tujhe Dekha To" and "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna" and the others.
5. Influence on popular culture: The film's impact on popular culture is evident in its continued references and parodies in modern media. A London born gabru jawan coming down to Punjab, Raj failing his college, yet, his father urging him to jee le apni aur meri zindagi, and if course the eternal jaa Simran jaa jeele apni zindagi ... Who can forget that! The iconic scenes continue to enthrall us to this date -- Train scene where Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) professes his love to Simran (Kajol) on a train is an iconic moment in Indian cinema.
And then their supremely beautiful monsoon dance in the European rain remains a memorable and visually stunning scene
6. Music: ‘Tujhe dekha toh..’, this song is a beautiful representation of Raj's feelings for Simran, with its melody and lyrics capturing the essence of love while Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna is has become integral to indian wedding celebrations.
7. And then if course who can forget Babuji! Amrish Puri's portrayal of Baldev Singh as Simran's strict father adds depth to the story and creates a compelling conflict.
