A moment from one of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories is set to find a permanent place in the heart of London. This spring, a bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, captured mid-scene from the 1995 romantic classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), will be installed in Leicester Square. This marks the first time a Bollywood film is being honoured in the UK capital’s renowned ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail.
Unveiled as part of the lead-up to the film’s 30th anniversary in October 2025, the statue will stand outside the Odeon cinema, near the spot where the film’s lead characters, Raj and Simran, unknowingly crossed paths. That brief moment in Leicester Square becomes the starting point of their unforgettable journey through Europe and India, which later became a story that left an imprint on generations of fans.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s iconic DDLJ moment to be immortalised in bronze at Leicester Square, London
DDLJ, the debut directorial project of Aditya Chopra and produced under Yash Raj Films, became a game-changer for Hindi cinema. Still playing in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir decades later, the film is the longest-running Hindi film in history. Its international appeal is reflected in its cult following within the British South Asian community and beyond.
Leicester Square is no stranger to big-screen legends. The DDLJ statue joins a line-up that includes characters like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean, and Batman. But this is the first time a Bollywood pair will take their place among them, in a move that acknowledges both the popularity of Indian cinema and the diversity of modern Britain.
London honours Bollywood: First-ever statue of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge stars joins global film legendsAmazon Prime video
Mark Williams from the Heart of London Business Alliance said that adding Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to the trail is a tribute to the global reach of Indian films. He noted that DDLJ is especially significant as it’s the first film in the trail to feature Leicester Square in a key scene.
Meanwhile, Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, called the statue a proud milestone not just for the studio, but for the Indian film industry. He said the recognition reflects how stories from South Asia continue to connect with audiences around the world.
As DDLJ prepares to hit the stage in Manchester this May in a new musical adaptation, the London statue serves as a tribute to a film that not only entertained but also bridged cultures so much so that even former US President Barack Obama famously quoted Raj’s iconic line during a 2015 state visit to India.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.