Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan may be known as the “King of Romance”, but when asked for marriage advice during a recent visit to London, he didn’t miss a beat. Before he could answer, his long-time co-star Kajol quipped, “All his films are about before marriage, not after marriage!” Khan laughed in agreement: “After marriage, you’re on your own.”
The two stars were in Leicester Square on Thursday for the unveiling of a new statue celebrating Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), the iconic film that cemented their on-screen partnership and became the longest-running movie in Indian cinema. The statue, revealed amid heavy rain, marks three decades since the beloved love story first premiered.
Despite the jokes, Khan still offered his signature charm: “You must have romance, you must sing songs,” he said prompting Kajol to add, “And you must have watched DDLJ.”
Khan, one of India’s most influential global stars, is often hailed as Bollywood’s most significant cultural export. Fans gathered in droves at the unveiling, cheering and scrambling for photos as the pair arrived. Speaking to the BBC afterwards, Khan joked that the statue felt like having “a life-size doll.” Turning to Kajol, he added, “I think I’m looking very handsome. You’re also looking very pretty.” She replied with a laugh: “It’s like a second thought, but thanks.”
The new Leicester Square monument now joins sculptures of Harry Potter, Bridget Jones, Mary Poppins and Paddington as part of the “Scenes in the Square” public art trail. Many key scenes of DDLJ were filmed in London, including around Leicester Square itself, making the location “very befitting,” Khan said. He praised UK audiences for helping propel Indian cinema onto the global stage and said he was eager to show the statue to his three children.
Kajol described the honour as “amazing” and “a little unbelievable,” noting the enduring impact of the film, which is often compared to Bollywood’s own Romeo and Juliet.
Bollywood continues to navigate changes in viewing habits since the pandemic, with streaming services offering new competition. Kajol suggested this broader choice has reshaped audience behaviour, while Khan maintained that “community viewing” and shared cinematic experiences will always endure.
Now 60, Khan has spent more than three decades in the film industry, evolving from actor to producer and even cricket team owner. He recently joined the billionaire bracket, listed among the world’s richest entertainers alongside global icons such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna. After returning to film in 2023 following a four-year break, Khan is now teasing his next action project, King. But when asked about playing James Bond, he dismissed the idea with humour: “No. I don’t have the accent. And I don’t like shaken martinis.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, said the Leicester Square tribute is “a huge moment of pride,” recognising the cultural influence of DDLJ. Ros Morgan of the Heart of London Business Alliance added that celebrating the film in such an iconic location “honours a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide.”
For fans across generations, the statue stands as a testament to a film and a screen partnership that helped shape modern Bollywood history.