MUMBAI: In an unprecedented record of sorts, Yash Raj Films’ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) starring Shah Rukh Khan (as Raj) and Kajol (as Simran)entered its 600th week in theatres today (13 April, 2007).
The movie has been playing in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre for the last 12 years since it was released on 20 October, 1995.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which cemented the superstar status of the Shah Rukh Khan – Kajol pairing, opened to packed houses and rave reviews way back in 1995. The movie also stars the late Amrish Puri, Achla Sachdev, Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal and Satish Shah.
What’s more, the movie also starred director Karan Johar, who played Raj’s (Shah Rukh Khan) friend. DDLJ was also the launch pad for actors Parmeet Sethi and Mandira Bedi.
This was maverick director Aditya Chopra’s debut film, which he directed at the young age of 23. Aditya was assisted by Karan Johar, Uday Chopra and Sameer Sharma on this film. The music of the film was by Jatin-Lalit and the lyrics were penned by the late Anand Bakshi.
The movie became one of the largest grossers in the Indian film history. While remaining popular with the masses, DDLJ also garnered critical acclaim from all quarters. The film swept that year’s Filmfare Awards, picking up every single award of consequence, and propelled Aditya Chopra as one of the most influential young voices in Indian cinema.
In 2001, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge broke the continuous-exhibition record, established by the movie Sholay at Minerva Theatre (five years: 1975 – 1980). DDLJ remains the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema.
The awards that the movie has garnered so far are:
National Award:
Best Film – for popular and wholesome entertainment
Filmfare Awards:
Best Film – Yash Chopra (Producer)
Best Director – Aditya Chopra
Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan
Best Actress – Kajol
Best Supporting Actress – Farida Jalal
Best Comedian – Anupam Kher
Best Lyricist – Anand Bakshi (Tujhe dekha to..)
Best Playback Singer (Male) – Udit Narayan (Mehndi Lagake rakhna)
Best Dialogue Writer – Aditya Chopra / Javed Siddiqui
Best Screenplay Writer – Aditya Chopra
Screen Awards:
Best Film – Yash Chopra (Producer)
Best Director – Aditya Chopra
(Aditya Chopra Picture Courtesy: SRK – Still Reading Khan by Mushtaq Shiekh)
