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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Leicester Square to honour Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol with new statue

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the movie - (Yash Raj Films)

A statue honouring Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will soon be unveiled in London's iconic Leicester Square to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, one of the most beloved films in Indian cinema.

The statue, featuring the two stars from the 1995 classic, will become part of Leicester Square’s “Scenes in the Square” trail, alongside other famous figures such as Harry Potter, Gene Kelly, Mary Poppins, and Batman.

Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed excitement about the new addition to the trail, calling it “fantastic” to include “titans of international cinema” like Khan and Kajol.

He highlighted the significance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, noting it as one of the most successful and influential Bollywood films ever made.

Leicester Square pictured in a scene from the beloved Bollywood movie (Yash Raj Films)

This statue will also mark the first time a film shot in Leicester Square has been represented on the trail.

The beloved film, often referred to as the Bollywood Romeo and Juliet, tells the romantic journey of Raj and Simran as they travel through Europe and India, starting with a memorable train scene from King's Cross station.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, the studio behind the film, emphasised the importance of the statue in showcasing the global reach of Indian cinema.

“This statue will be a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies and build bridges amongst communities through cinema,” Widhani said.

The Leicester Square Scenes in the Square trail is managed by Heart of London Business Alliance and supported by Westminster City Council.

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