Not just fans, even Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have lifetime memories of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The milestone movie of Bollywood, that changed Indian cinema forever, continues to rule hearts globally.
It made superstars out of the two actors who were almost newcomers at that time. Even debutant director Aditya Chopra found the perfect doorway to cinema, and all this is a wonderful memory for any cinephile, even after 30 years of the film's release.ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan Recalls Making DDLJ With Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar: It Started Off As Set Of Youngsters...
Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol look back at DDLJ
SRK and Kajol were in London recently, to unveil a bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran on the sidelines of
DDLJ completing three decades. Looking back at the remarkable feat, Kajol said, "It's been 30 years, and we're happy to say that it is the longest running film in not just India, but the world. It's actually gone into the Guinness Book of World Records. So we are super kicked to be part of it. I don't know whether we can take credit for it. But we'd like to!"Shah Rukh reiterated, "We didn't realize the magnitude of this film. You know, that's the most beautiful part of it, because we really shot it like a holiday. We had no knowledge it would become this. We are very fortunate and grateful for being part of cinema like this."For Kajol, she had no idea what the film would become 30 years down the line. "All Adi said was 'bas meri picture hit ho jaaye' (I just hope this movie does well)."
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's legacy
DDLJ followed SRK and Kajol's characters Raj and Simran, two non-resident Indians, who meet on a Europe trip and fall in love. Fate tries to separate them as Simran's family brings her back to her roots in Punjab to marry as per her father's choice. Raj arrives at her home in the guise of the groom's friend and tries to win over Simran's family. The film connected deeply with the NRIs, bringing back the emotion of comfort and belongingness attached to one's roots in India.
DDLJ went on to become a cultural phenomenon with its blockbuster music, beautiful locations and Indian traditions.
ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan Recalls Getting 'Only Night Shows' For London Screenings In 90s: Now We Have Statue At Leicester Square
SRK on being new actors and having no idea what they were making
Shah Rukh looked back, "It was a new thing for us, because we were new actors. So there's a lot of stuff in this film, whether it's the dancing part or the acting part or doing outdoor stuff. Even the clothes were very new for us. We didn't realise that till we see it now.""That leather jacket, the sarees and the iconic (poster) poses, it was all very new for us. We were rather young, so we had no idea that we'd be able to do all that. Me and Kajol have the statue, but I think the reason for the statue is a lot more people than just the two of us," the superstar added.