A scene in Leicester Square from the 1995 award-winning film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

A STATUE of a Bollywood blockbuster’s megastars is to appear in Leicester Square, on the 30th anniversary of the award-winning rom-com’s release.

The bronze of Shah Rukh Khan and co-star Kajol will be the first statue honouring Indian cinema to be put up in the capital.

Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) film included a scene when the actors ride an open-top bus close to Leicester Square Gardens. It is part of the Heart of London Business Alliance’s “Scenes in the Square” movie trail in the West End.

Chief executive of Yash Raj Films Akshaye Widhani said: “When DDLJ was released 30 years ago, the film became a defining moment for Indian cinema and changed the face of the industry, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw it all over the globe.

“We are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognised on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel and Hardy to Harry Potter.”

The film grossed $32.24million worldwide when it was released in 1995 and went on to become the longest-running Hindi film of all time. Still playing in Mumbai cinemas today, it was dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood cinema with its protagonists’ love story beginning in Leicester Square.

The new statue will be positioned along the eastern terrace, outside the square’s Odeon cinema.

Mark Williams, deputy chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London’s rich diversity.”

The Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge statue will be unveiled in Leicester Square, as part of Scenes in the Square in the coming weeks.