The beloved Bollywood romance, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, has reached a remarkable milestone: 30 years since its release. The film continues to hold numerous records and remains a significant part of Indian pop culture, frequently referenced in other movies. When asked about her pride in being associated with such an iconic film, Kajol expressed a deep sense of humility rather than pride, stating, “It’s not pride that comes into me at all. I am truly humbled by it.”
She further elaborated on the film’s unexpected journey, sharing, “We never thought we would create such a legacy when we made this film. We just thought we were making a good film, and I am humbled by the fact that so many people and fans have made it so much bigger. They continue to make it bigger than anything ever will be, almost in the sense that they’ve made it a tradition.”
Kajol also spoke about the profound impact DDLJ has had on viewers’ lives. She shared, “I have had people come up to me and say, ‘We fell in love while watching DDLJ, and when we had kids, we made them sit and watch it with us because we wanted to share that experience with them.’ It’s touching to know that the film has become a part of people’s family stories and their parents’ love stories, intertwining with their lives in such a meaningful way.”
The film’s legendary uninterrupted run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre for three decades is another testament to its enduring appeal, becoming a must-do for many visitors to the city. Kajol attributes this success to the audience, saying, “If it is running in Maratha Mandir till today, and God willing, it will continue to, it is because everybody is making it a part of their life. Thank you so much to every fan out there. Every person who has gone and watched it and made it so much a part of their lives and has made us, through that, a part of your life.”
When asked if she would change anything about her character, Simran, given the film’s historical significance, Kajol was firm. “I wouldn’t change anything in it or for it. I don’t feel the need,” she stated. She explained that the film and its underlying thoughts were appropriate for the time it was made. While acknowledging that a story like DDLJ might be told differently today, she believes that altering anything would have compromised its unique magic and iconic status.