Shah Rukh Khan Birthday Special: Why fans believe Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has timeless appeal and should never be remade: “Raj—the man who got me through every bad day with the belief that love exists”

In the world of Indian cinema, few films hold a place as iconic as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Released in 1995, this romantic drama not only redefined love stories on the silver screen but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Shah Rukh Khan, the film's charismatic lead, has often reflected on the unique magic that made DDLJ special, emphasizing that its essence is irreplaceable.In a candid 2005 interview with NDTV, Khan shared insights into the camaraderie that existed among the cast and crew during the making of the film. He remarked, “It was a time in our lives when all of us were friends or becoming friends. Some of us knew each other from before that, and now, after ten years, we are still friends.”Khan's reflections touch on a profound truth: the film's success was not merely due to its narrative or performances, but rather the collective spirit of friendship and happiness that surrounded its creation. “Haste khelte kuch bann gaya [In the midst of fun and laughter, something was made],” he said, encapsulating the carefree essence that defined the making of DDLJ.In an excerpt from journalist Mohar Basu’s newly released book titled SHAH RUKH KHAN, the writer quotes Resham Baduri, a communications executive originally from Mumbai now residing in the US, is one of the countless fans who hold DDLJ close to their hearts. A die-hard admirer of the film, she reflects on its significance in her own life, particularly after her divorce. For Baduri, the characters of Raj and Simran represent an idealized version of romance that feels increasingly elusive in today's world. As she navigates the complexities of modern dating, she acknowledges the challenges of finding a partner who embodies the qualities of Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan.“The world has changed,” Baduri laments. “We no longer live in a world of Rajs. We live in a world of animals.” Her words illustrate a stark contrast between the romantic ideals portrayed in DDLJ and the often harsh realities of contemporary relationships. In an age where social media has significantly altered the dynamics of love and courtship, the genuine connection exemplified by Raj seems more like a fantasy than a possibility. “In such a world, where green flags are obsolete, Raj is reduced to a fantasy,” she muses.For many, DDLJ serves as a comforting escape, a time capsule transporting them back to a more innocent era. Baduri articulates this sentiment beautifully: “It is comfortable because it helps us travel back to a time that no longer exists and will perhaps never come back as long as we are alive.”DDLJ became a cultural phenomenon, shaping the romantic ideals of an entire generation. As Baduri poignantly puts it, “People have become so different from who they used to be. Romance has been invaded by social media.”Baduri expresses her desire for the film to remain untouched, stating, “I am a hopeless romantic and I do believe I will find my Raj someday. But until then, I am going to protect the experience of the film in a rather militant fashion. I don’t want it to be remade. I don’t want to see someone else as Raj—definitely not a gora [Caucasian]. Why change it? The makers and the actors should just be proud that they made a movie that cannot be topped.”The film’s magic is not merely in its romantic narrative but also in the cultural impact it has had. DDLJ established Shah Rukh Khan as the quintessential romantic hero and solidified his status as a superstar. The iconic train scene, the memorable dialogue, and the enchanting music have become ingrained in the fabric of Indian pop culture. Baduri’s wish to share DDLJ with her future daughter speaks to the film's role as a rite of passage, a way to introduce the ideals of love and romance to the next generation.As she reflects on her own experiences, Baduri holds onto hope. “Someday when I have a daughter, I am going to take her to Maratha Mandir to make her meet Raj—the man who got me through every bad day with the belief that love exists,” she declares.As Shah Rukh Khan celebrates his 59th birthday today, fans are eagerly awaiting his next release King in 2025.ALSO READ: Farah Khan’s photo dump to wish Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday is PURE gold, features Sushant Singh Rajput, Alia Bhatt, and more!