DDLJ Statue Unveiling At Leicester Square Postponed Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

May 09, 2025: Fans eager to see Bollywood’s beloved characters Raj and Simran from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) immortalised in bronze at Leicester Square, London, will now have to wait longer.

The statue unveiling, initially scheduled for spring 2025 to commemorate the film’s 30th anniversary, has been postponed due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

A representative from Yash Raj Films (YRF) confirmed the development, citing the regional instability as the reason for delaying the tribute.

According to the Heart of London Business Alliance, the statue will become part of Leicester Square’s renowned “Scenes in the Square” movie trail, where it will stand alongside tributes to global cinema icons. The bronze sculpture will feature Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the film’s most iconic pose, capturing the enduring romance of DDLJ.

Released in 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is widely considered one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Chopra, the romantic drama follows the love story of Raj and Simran, two young Indians who fall in love during a European trip but must overcome family and cultural obstacles.

The film was a massive commercial and critical success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 1995 and cementing its place as a cultural milestone both in India and abroad. It was filmed across India, London, and Switzerland, and continues to be celebrated decades after its release.

The new date for the statue unveiling has not yet been announced.