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Shah Rukh Khan, widely known as Bollywood’s King of Romance, recently shared some lighthearted advice for newlyweds during a meeting in central London. When asked about his tips for those just married, fellow actor Kajol playfully interrupted, pointing out that all of Khan’s famous films focus on life before marriage rather than after. Khan joked in response, “Till now, you were a candidate I could’ve given advice to. After marriage, you’re on your own.” Despite the banter, the superstar, who was in the UK to unveil a new statue of himself and Kajol in Leicester Square, did offer some romantic guidance: “You must have romance, you must sing songs.” Kajol added with a smile, “And you must have watched DDLJ.” The film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), which the statue commemorates, is notable for being the longest-running film in Indian cinema and stars both actors.
The unveiling event took place amid heavy rain and marked the 30th anniversary of DDLJ’s release. Shah Rukh Khan, a household name in India, has an immense fan base both domestically and internationally. Known for his charm and wit, the actor is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most significant cultural icons, often referred to as King Khan or simply the King of Bollywood. At the unveiling, fans eagerly lined up hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars, with many excitedly taking photos and cheering upon their arrival. Khan humorously described the statue as “a life-size doll” and complimented both himself and Kajol on their statues’ appearance, prompting laughter from the latter.
DDLJ is often described as the Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood, centering around the love story of Raj and Simran as they journey across Europe and India, beginning on a train from London’s King’s Cross Station. Several iconic scenes were filmed in London and even Leicester Square itself. The new statue joins other popular cultural monuments in the square, such as sculptures of Harry Potter, Paddington, and Bridget Jones, forming part of the “Scenes in the Square” trail. Khan reflected on the significance of having the statue unveiled in London, praising the UK audience’s role in helping Indian cinema grow globally. He expressed eagerness to show the statue to his three children, while Kajol described the commemoration as “amazing” and “a little unbelievable.”
Bollywood, India’s prolific film industry, produces hundreds of movies annually and enjoys a massive following worldwide. However, like many entertainment sectors, it has faced challenges since the pandemic halted cinema screenings and many viewers shifted to streaming platforms. Kajol attributed this slowdown partly to the increase in viewing options, making it harder for audiences to commit to cinemas. Nevertheless, Khan remained optimistic about the future of communal movie watching, stating, “We like to see things, enjoy things together.” Over his more than 30-year career, Khan has transitioned from acting to becoming a production house owner and cricket team proprietor. Recently entering the billionaire ranks, he joined global celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Taylor Swift in wealth. After a four-year break, he returned to the big screen in 2023 and has teased his upcoming action film, King, though he humorously dismissed suggestions that he might become the next James Bond, citing his accent and dislike for shaken martinis.
The Scenes in the Square trail, coordinated by the Heart of London Business Alliance and supported by Westminster City Council, broadens London’s public celebration of global film culture. The addition of the DDLJ statue alongside tributes to Hollywood icons highlights the international impact of the film. Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a momentous honour to be showcased alongside legendary characters like Mary Poppins and Harry Potter. Ros Morgan, chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, welcomed Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to the trail, remarking that the enduring success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continues to captivate audiences around the world and marking London’s first tribute to Indian cinema
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