As Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) turns 30, Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, are expressing heartfelt gratitude for the film’s lasting legacy and the love it continues to receive.
Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Raj Films, DDLJ premiered on Oct 20, 1995, and became a cultural phenomenon.
The romantic musical, which follows the story of Raj and Simran – two young British Indians navigating love, family, and tradition – holds the record for the longest theatrical run in Indian cinema, still playing at Mumbai’s iconic Maratha Mandir.
In an interview with Variety, Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the film’s incredible journey.
“It doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years. I’m truly grateful for all the love I’ve received for playing Raj,” he said. “So many couples tell me they fell in love or got married because of DDLJ. It has brought a joyful influence on Indian and South Asian pop culture.”
Shah Rukh credited the film’s enduring appeal to the sincerity of its making. “Aditya had such clarity, and the blessings of Yash ji gave the film its heart. We didn’t expect the kind of emotional space it would occupy across generations.”
Kajol, too, described the film’s impact as “surreal”. For her, Simran remains a living symbol of the Indian woman balancing tradition and modernity.
“Simran is a chapter that refuses to end. She represents millions of girls who want to respect their families but also dream of freedom. That’s why she still resonates,” she said.
The actress also celebrated the film’s intergenerational appeal, noting how the audience that adored DDLJ in their teens now watches it with their children. “It’s become the template for how Indian cinema dreams of love,” she said.
Kajol also highlighted her effortless chemistry with Shah Rukh. “With Shah Rukh, it just clicked. There’s a rhythm, a trust. Audiences sense that authenticity.”
Three decades on, DDLJ remains more than a film – it’s a cultural touchstone.
