Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol’s Statue in Leicester Square London
Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol are set to be immortalised in London’s Leicester Square with a new statue celebrating 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Hold onto your popcorn and polish up your dancing shoes, because London is about to get a touch of Bollywood bling that’ll have you humming Tujhe Dekha To Ya Jana Sanam all the way to the Tube. That’s right – the King of Bollywood himself, Shah Rukh Khan, and his iconic co-star Kajol are set to be immortalised in bronze (or something equally shiny) smack bang in the heart of Leicester Square. Talk about a blockbuster addition to the neighbourhood!
This delightful bit of news marks 30 years since Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – or DDLJ, as it’s lovingly known by fans who’ve watched it more times than they’ve had cuppas – burst onto the big screen and promptly set the gold standard for romantic dramas. The film’s still running in Indian cinemas, mind you. That’s right – while the rest of us struggle to keep a plant alive for more than a week, DDLJ has been flourishing on screen for three decades. Now that’s commitment.
The upcoming statue will join the Scenes in the Square trail, rubbing metaphorical shoulders with the likes of Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Batman and Gene Kelly (yes, the one with the umbrella). In other words, Shah Rukh and Kajol will be in rather fine company – though let’s be honest, the others might have to up their charm game to match Bollywood’s finest.
Mark Williams, deputy head honcho at the Heart of London Business Alliance, is understandably chuffed. “Fantastic,” he said, probably while trying not to burst into a Bollywood dance routine himself. He described the duo as “titans of international cinema”, and honestly, who’s arguing? This is the first time a Bollywood film featuring Leicester Square itself has made it onto the trail, and frankly, it’s about time.
Let’s not forget the film’s opening moments – a meet-cute on a train departing from King’s Cross, no less. So next time you’re running for your platform, try to channel a bit of Raj and Simran – maybe your soulmate’s only a delayed departure away.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films (the powerhouse behind the film), called the statue “a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies.” In a world that often feels a bit more doom and gloom than song and swoon, celebrating love, unity, and the power of cinema isn’t half a bad idea.
So, what’s next? Flash mobs in Trafalgar Square? SRK on the £10 note? I wouldn’t say no. But for now, pop down to Leicester Square later this year, and prepare for a little slice of Bollywood magic, right there in Blighty.
Because let’s face it – if there’s anyone who deserves to be cast in bronze whilst gazing lovingly into Kajol’s eyes under the London skies, it’s Shah Rukh Khan. And if that doesn’t warm your cockles, nothing will.
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