Raj and Simran, two names deeply etched into the heart of Hindi cinema, hold a place in Bollywood history that few can rival. Brought to life by Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), these characters became the quintessential romantic couple. Their tale of youthful love and defiance against tradition captured an entire generation, making them iconic figures in Indian cinema.
Yet, time changes everything, and Kajol, who embodied Simran on screen, has recently voiced a new perspective on her character and the love story that made her famous. According to her, the world of Raj and Simran cannot thrive in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected reality. She humorously notes that if the characters existed in the present, their loyalties might waver, diluted by the endless choices and distractions of modern relationships. “They’d be WhatsApping each other while keeping at least four more options open,” Kajol commented in a recent interview.
While promoting her latest film Do Patti, Kajol spoke to media, casting doubt on the possibility of a Raj-Simran-like romance surviving in today’s world. Reflecting on how love stories have evolved, she said, “Raj and Simran would be texting each other, but each would have a backup plan.”
She jokingly imagined Simran with a roster of potential suitors like Harish and Sanjay, while Raj would be no less coy, navigating multiple relationships on the side. The slow-burning, singular devotion of their love story, where two people fight against all odds, seems almost quaint when compared to the casual, often fragmented nature of modern romance.
In Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kajol’s Simran was a woman caught between tradition and the pull of her own desires. As a daughter of a strict, conventional father, she fell in love with the carefree and rebellious Raj during a college trip. When her family decided to move to Punjab, Raj pursued her, determined to win not only Simran but also the approval of her authoritarian father.
This story of love, rebellion, and reconciliation became a landmark in Hindi cinema, symbolizing the tension between modernity and tradition. The film has since become the longest-running in Bollywood history, recently completing 29 years of continuous screenings.
Stepping into new territory, Kajol is now poised to surprise audiences with her upcoming film Do Patti, set for release on Netflix. In this project, she takes on the role of a police officer for the first time in her career. The film, co-starring Kriti Sanon, promises a gripping narrative as Kajol’s character seeks to solve a crime involving one of Sanon’s dual roles. With Do Patti scheduled to premiere on October 25, it marks another significant departure from the roles Kajol has portrayed in the past, showing her readiness to experiment with her craft even after decades in the industry.
Although Raj and Simran’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences, Kajol’s reflections remind us that the landscape of love, much like cinema, evolves with time. The grand, all-consuming romances of the past might now seem improbable in an era dominated by quick connections and fleeting attention spans. Still, the enduring impact of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge speaks to the power of storytelling, even if those stories, like the characters in them, must eventually grow and change.
