Know why DDLJ is an unconventional love story as it completes 23 years

By Rohit Bhatnagar

on October 20, 2018

Who knew back in 1995 that a tried and tested formula of a hero, heroine and a villain will become an inspiration for generations to come?

While other films back then showed couples eloping after their respective parents object their relationships, DDLJ turned out to be a fresh one where the guy seeks permission from her girlfriend’s father till the end. Shot in picturesque locations of Switzerland, the film brought the culture of NRI’s staying abroad to Indian cinema. Keeping the traditional values intact, the film broke several barriers in the society.

Aditya Chopra, elder son of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra marked his directorial debut with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Before foraying into direction, he assisted his father in Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991) and Darr (1993). When Aditya discussed the idea of a love story of an Indian and an American, he wanted his father to helm the project but to his surprise, Yash insisted him to direct himself. Mother Pamela Chopra, who also sang popular song Ghar Aaja Pardesi in the film, gave her consent to it as well. However, the father-son had many creative differences throughout since Aditya wanted to rope in Tom Cruise initially and Yash wasn’t in favour of this.

Aditya originally offered the role of Raj to Saif Ali Khan followed by Aamir Khan but both turned the offer for the reasons best known to them. Later, the flamboyant role fell into Shah Rukh Khan’s kitty who had already become a star by then with his negative portrayal in Baazigar and Darr. Kajol was the only and foremost choice for the role of Simran and she agreed to do it considering her closeness to director-friend Aditya.

The film also featured interesting roles for Anupam Kher, a rich Indian father who is proud of his brat son, an orthodox father of Kajol played by late Amrish Puri, friendly mother portrayed by Farida Jalal, a handsome villain Parmeet Sethi, his shy sister Mandira Bedi and many more. Filmmakers Karan Johar and Arjun Sablok along with a leading name in the fashion industry Anaita Shroff Adajania also played small roles in it.

DDLJ also turned out to be a trendsetter in many ways. Shah Rukh Khan’s hat with a feather, very famous cowbell of Europe, mandolin, Kajol’s parrot green dress in Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna (designed by Manish Malhotra) became hugely popular. The film also threw showed the mustard fields of Punjab and beautiful churches of Central Europe in all their splendid glory.

Raj and Simran's banter and chemistry won everyone over and has made them one of the most popular jodis of Indian cinema. DDLJ is not only the longest-running film of Indian cinema but also one of the most viewed films on satellite. The makers celebrated 20 glorious years in Mumbai’s most iconic theatre Maratha Mandir on October 20, 2015. Amid crazy fans, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol even launched their comeback romantic song Gerua from the film Dilwale at the same venue in 2015.