The legendary film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) continues to capture hearts worldwide, celebrated as a cult classic in Indian cinema. Initially directed by Aditya Chopra and released on October 20, 1995, it launched Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to stardom, reinvigorating the belief in love stories. Despite the passage of years, it still runs at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema hall, illustrating the emotional connection audiences maintain. This enduring appeal is crowned by its recent honor: becoming the first Indian film to be commemorated at London’s renowned Scenes in the Square movie trail. A bronze statue of the unforgettable duo Raj and Simran will soon be unveiled in Leicester Square to mark the film’s 30th anniversary.
The global recognition emphasizes Bollywood’s cultural impact internationally. Let’s dive into some rare and captivating facts about DDLJ, the longest-running movie in Indian cinema history.
Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut, filled with iconic sequences and memorable music, saw Shah Rukh Khan not as the initial choice for ‘Raj.’ Initially, Aditya Chopra envisioned Tom Cruise, but Yash Chopra dismissed this, leading the role to be offered to Saif Ali Khan, who also declined, ultimately reaching Shah Rukh Khan.
Renowned actress Kirron Kher contributed to its legacy, suggesting the film’s title, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, sparking a trend towards longer titles in the ’90s. Her husband, Anupam Kher, also starred in the film, portraying Raj’s father, Dharamvir Malhotra.
In a notable change, legendary choreographer Saroj Khan was originally on board but was replaced by Farah Khan due to creative differences. Farah choreographed the iconic song “Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane,” demonstrating her unique touch in the film’s sequences.
Interestingly, during this song’s climax, Shah Rukh Khan was to drop Kajol, a moment kept secret to evoke her authentic reaction, creating a memorable scene. Furthermore, Kajol’s hesitance to perform “Mere Khwabon Me Jo Aaye” in just a towel was overcome by Aditya Chopra’s persuasion, adding a notable sequence to the film.
Aditya Chopra’s dedication is evident, having written the entire film within an impressive four weeks. Karan Johar, during the production, recounted Aditya’s daily consultations that solidified the film’s vision.
Another unique anecdote involves a scene where Raj and Simran enjoy a car ride through Zurich, which secretly featured Aditya Chopra monitoring from the backseat to capture the close-up shots effectively.
DDLJ also pioneered the behind-the-scenes trend, being the first Indian film to have its making televised. Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra crafted a 30-minute “Making of the Film” video that aired on Doordarshan, offering audiences a glimpse into the creative process.
It’s these elements—the intriguing production stories, iconic moments, and global recognition—that underscore DDLJ’s significance in cinema. As its legacy evolves with the Leicester Square statue, audiences are reminded of its timeless charm and cultural impact.
