Paris Audience Shows Love for ‘DDLJ’ and Potential Sequel

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the longest-running film in Indian cinema, continues to captivate audiences across generations and around the world, remaining culturally iconic decades after release.

Released on October 20, 1995, the Hindi musical romance was written and directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by his father, Yash Chopra, marking a celebrated directorial debut.

The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as Raj and Simran, young non-resident Indians who fall in love during a European vacation while navigating family expectations and arranged marriage traditions.

Shot across India, London, and Switzerland between September 1994 and August 1995, the film blended romance, music, and strong family values, gaining universal acclaim for its performances and timeless chemistry.

DDLJ became one of only three Hindi films included in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and was ranked twelfth on the British Film Institute’s list of top Indian films.

Lina Amiar, a devoted fan, spent six years developing a potential sequel and recently studied audience interest at a Paris screening to understand global reactions and preferences for a continuation.

She recalled, “What do Parisians think of DDLJ? What motivates a first-time viewer to come see a movie thirty years old?”

Lina teamed with French documentarian Daphné to gather insights and connect with the audience.

The cinema staff supported the effort enthusiastically.

Chloé, the technical manager, said, “I’d be 100 per cent in for a sequel, plot aside, as long as Raj and Simran returned.”

Audience members shared personal stories, including Sylvie, who recounted her trip to India twenty years ago and how a spontaneous decision to see DDLJ changed her life forever.

Lina also met Genevieve, in her late eighties, experiencing her first Bollywood film.

“I loved films with heart and music,” she said, enjoying every song and dramatic moment.

Many attendees expressed excitement at the idea of a sequel, while others admitted hesitation, concerned it might not match the original’s charm, but were still willing to give it a chance.

Lina described the evening as a reminder of DDLJ’s enduring appeal, proving that stories of love, family, and courage continue to cross cultures and inspire audiences worldwide.

The film’s legacy was recently celebrated in London for its 30th anniversary, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiling a bronze statue of their iconic pose at Leicester Square.

Fans gathered to witness the special moment, as the sculpture honoured DDLJ as the first Indian film recognised on the Scenes in the Square trail, cementing its place in global pop culture.

DDLJ remains a benchmark for Bollywood romance, demonstrating how timeless storytelling, memorable music, and universal emotions can maintain relevance across decades and international audiences.