Thirty years after its release on October 20, 1995, Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continues to reign as India’s most beloved romantic film, with stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol reflecting on the unprecedented cultural impact of this historic blockbuster.
The Yash Raj Film production tells the story of Raj and Simran, two young British Indians who fall in love during a vacation in Europe, only to face the challenge of convincing Simran’s traditional father. The film became a cultural phenomenon, holding the record for the longest running run, especially at the Maratha Mandir cinema in Mumbai, where it continues to be shown today.
Khan and Kajol’s portrayal of the iconic couple became one of the definitive cinematic representations of love in Indian cinema and remains a pop culture touchstone for South Asians around the world.
“It doesn’t feel like 30 years have passed since ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ was released,” says Khan. “I am truly grateful for the love I have received from people all over the world for playing Raj. No one could have predicted that this film would have such an impact on the hearts of people all over the world.”
Speaking about the real-world impact the film has had on audiences, the actor says, “So many couples meet me and tell me that they got married or fell in love after watching this film. I also feel that this film has had a very happy impact on Indian and South Asian pop culture.”
Khan credits the success to “the purity of heart in which we all made this film, Adi’s clarity about ‘DDLJ’, and especially the blessings of Yash Ji (legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, Aditya’s father and founder of Yash Raj Films).”
Reflecting on her iconic role as Simran, Kajol called the milestone “surreal” and noted that “this film became a legacy and a nostalgic experience across generations.”
“For me, Simran is a never-ending chapter,” she says. “She represents millions of girls across this country, girls who want to do what their parents tell them, girls who hold tradition in one hand and reach out for freedom with the other. That’s why she continues to resonate.”
Kajol observes that the film has become generational, saying, “Audiences who went wild for this film when they were 16 are now watching it with their kids and owning it more fiercely with each passing year. This film has become a template for the way Indian cinema dreams of love.”
Talking about her chemistry with Khan, Kajol revealed, “I felt comfortable with him from the first take. There’s a certain understanding, a rhythm, a trust, and it clicks with him. He knows exactly how he’s thinking, how he’s going to react, what expressions, pauses, or silences he’s going to have.”
She attributes their on-screen magic to natural chemistry. “We never had to overthink, overplan, or try too hard. There’s a lot of mutual respect and security in our equation, and I think the audience feels that too. It feels authentic, even if you don’t know the work behind it.”
The film’s themes of dealing with family expectations, balancing tradition and modernity, and finding the courage to follow your heart continue to resonate across generations. Kajol praised director Chopra’s vision for making “this idea of romance the biggest obsession of this country” and noted that the film’s songs, dialogues and iconic images “permeated pop culture and stayed there.”