Kajol on the enduring legacy of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: “It’s the longest running film in the world right now”

Kajol prepares for the release of her upcoming film, Do Patti, on Netflix.

By Alimran Khan -

October 25, 2024 - 1:27 PM IST

Kajol, the lead of the 1995 romantic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), has attributed the film's enduring popularity to its fans' unwavering love and support. This film, also starring Shah Rukh Khan, has not only captivated audiences for nearly three decades but has also secured its place in history as the longest-running film in the world. Even today, DDLJ continues to enchant viewers, with regular screenings at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theater. The film celebrated its 29th anniversary on October 20. Reflecting on the film's enduring appeal, Kajol shared that DDLJ feels remarkably authentic and relatable even in contemporary times.

Kajol on the enduring legacy of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: “It’s the longest running film in the world right now”

Speaking to PTI, Kajol remarked, “It's the longest-running film in the world right now. And it will continue to break its own record every year. But I think the part about DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and all these films is that when you watch them, they are real even today... You like and love these characters. I really liked this story. I was fully into this film. I enjoyed the film. I loved the music, everything about it. It's an experience. DDLJ is a phenomenon and I feel that though we had definitely made the film, we didn't know that this was going to happen with the film. And we didn't make it with this aim.”

Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Chopra, DDLJ narrates the love story of Raj and Simran, two young Indians raised abroad who find themselves falling in love during a European vacation. However, their journey toward togetherness is complicated by the traditional Indian values they must navigate.

Kajol emphasized that the film's enduring popularity is a direct result of the unwavering support of its fans. "All these years, they have been watching it and have made traditions in their families also. I met a guy who told me that, 'I took my girlfriend to the film 27 times. And then I proposed to her.' I said, 'See, you bored her with the film and that's why she said 'yes.' But he went and watched the movie with her again and eventually they had kids. And they've gone and taken their kids to watch this film as well. So, I would love to take the credit for that, but it's really not mine or the team's.”

Meanwhile, Kajol prepares for the release of her upcoming film, Do Patti, on Netflix.