The iconic Bollywood rom-com flick ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ also known simply as DDLJ celebrates its 20th anniversary on the 20th October 2015.
It has been played on the big screen to audiences in Mumbai for a record close to 20 years.
DDLJ became one of the most successful global films of all time, since its release in 1995. Directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Chopra. The movie won a multitude of acclaimed national and international film awards.
The wholesome family film launched Bollywood to Asian and non Asian audiences worldwide.
The film revolves around two young non resident Indians (NRIs) based in London. The leading man Raj Malhotra was played by Shah Rukh Khan and the lady Simran Singh by Kajol.
This couple’s on-screen chemistry was the basis for many a hit film, rocketing the careers of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
Raj’s liberal father is acted by Anupam Kher and Simran’s strict, traditional father is wonderfully portrayed by the late Amrish Puri. His life as a hard working honest shop keeper in London is touched upon.
Simran’s father reluctantly agrees that she can go on holiday with her friends. Her mother Lajjo is more supportive of Simran’s dreams and ideas.
Raj and Simran meet on the Inter-railing group trip in Europe. Eventually the pair fall in love.
The scenes are beautifully shot in parts of London, Switzerland and India.
To complicate matters Simran’s father had promised her hand in marriage 20 years ago, to his friend’s son Kuljeet in Punjab.
This situation becomes a little tricky as Simran and her family head off to Punjab for the marriage.
The forlorn Raj ponders at his misfortunates. However he has a plan, he will also go to Punjab and win over Simran’s hand with her father’s approval!
In India Raj the ‘good guy’ manages to make friends with both the families, however Simran’s strict father is more of an issue. Preparations for the wedding festivities get underway.
The story line blends in Western and Eastern cultures, traditions, fashions and ideas. It gives the younger generation some confidence, while also showing respect to their elders.
It wonderfully weaves together extended family values and individual priorities. It touches on the situations and sentiments many Asians in the West find themselves in.
The charming Raj insists he won’t run away with Simran but will only marry her with the consent of her father.
The iconic hit songs of the DDLJ include, ‘Ghar Aaja Pardesi’, ‘Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko’, ‘Mehndi Lagake Rakhna’, ‘Mere Khwaban Mein’, ‘Rukh Ja O Dil Deewane’, ‘Tujhe Dekha To’ and ‘Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main’. These tracks have been played at countless wedding since.
Drawing towards the end of the film Raj and his father are waiting to leave at the railway station. Kuljeet and his friends arrive and start beating them.
Simran arrives on the scene and is ready to leave with Raj, but her father stops hers. Simran begs him to let her go, as she can’t live without Raj.
Simran’s father finally agrees, letting her go, she runs and catches the train with Raj as it departs. The End.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of DDLJ a special screening is arranged at a prestigious film festival at The South Asian Gallery, National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have also shot another film recently called DILWALE to be released in December 2015, to mark the anniversary.
