“Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” celebrates 500 weeks

On Friday, 13th May 2005, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, or DDLJ as it is fondly called, is entering its 500th week of continuous play in theatres. The love story of Raj and Simran continues to strike a chord with audiences, as they keep coming back to Maratha Mandir theatre (in Mumbai where DDLJ continues its uninterrupted run) to fall in love once again with one of the most evergreen stories told on the silver screen. 

The movie, which cemented the super star status of the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol pairing, opened to packed houses and rave reviews way back on 20th October 1995. Indians all over the world instantly fell in love with this simple yet eloquent story. It bridged the perceived divide between the NRI and Domestic cultures, and effortlessly wove Indian Tradition and Western Trends into a unique brand of “Indian-ness”, which is often copied, but yet to be rivaled.

Director Aditya Chopra’s directed his first film, DDLJ, at the young age of 23. Released in 1995, DDLJ became one of the largest grossers in 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 (5 years: 1975 – 1980). DDLJ remains the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema, as it passes one milestone after another, and is presently running in its 10th year.

To celebrate its 500 weeks, DDLJ is being re-released across India. Also, an “Exclusive lucky seat contest” is being held at the theatres, whereby 3 lucky winners in each show will win an exclusive “DDLJ 500 week gift”. Please check your local papers, for the theatres playing DDLJ near you. 

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