Cast of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Then and now

You can’t talk about romance in Bollywood without the image of Kajol running into Shah Rukh Khan’s outstretched arms in a mustard field popping into your head. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and romance have become synonymous to each other in Bollywood, and with good reason. Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre ran the movie uninterruptedly for 1009 weeks, making it the longest running movie in the history of Indian cinema. The iconic movie has completed 21 years since it’s release in 1995 and it is fitting that on this day, we round up where the cast of DDLJ is now. While Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol went on to join the ranks of our country’s biggest superstars, cast members like Farida Jalal (who played Simran’s mom) and Satish Shah (who played Kuljeet’s dad) have gained recognition for their roles in popular Indian TV shows. Unfortunately Amrish Puri, who played Kajol’s stern father, passed away in 2005, but he left behind a legacy of memorable cinema with movies like Pardes, Zubeida, Chachi 420 and more.

Shah Rukh Khan (Raj)

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Shah Rukh Khan’s Raj was a radical change after his previous roles as a deranged sociopath in movies like Darr, Baazigar and AnjaamDDLJ cemented his reputation as the ‘King of Romance’ and he lived up to the name with movies like Pardes, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Veer Zara and Dil To Pagal Hai (to name a few!) He has been named one of the most successful actors around the world, and has since acquired a cricket team and launched a production house. His upcoming projects include Dear Zindagi with Alia Bhatt, Raees, an untitled Imitiaz Ali film with Anushka Sharma and another with Anand. L. Rai.

Kajol (Simran)

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Kajol became one half of the iconic Raj-Simran duo that set the benchmark for Bollywood couples to follow. She went on to give a slew of hits over the years, creating even more memorable characters most notably, Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Her last film was Dilwale that saw her recreate the magic opposite Shah Rukh Khan again.

Anupam Kher (Dharamvir Malhotra AKA Raj’s dad)

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Anupam Kher totally changed the portrayal of fathers in Bollywood. To quote Mean Girls (because why not?), he’s not a regular dad, he’s a cool dad. He has appeared in a number of successful films since then and has also made his mark in Hollywood with significant roles in movies like Bend It Like Beckham and Silver Linings Playbook.

Farida Jalal (Lajwanti AKA Simran’s mom)

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Her role as Simran’s mother, who is torn between her husband’s values and her daughter’s happiness made Farida Jalal the most loved celluloid mom across the country. She has since then played pivotal roles in movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and more recently Student of The Year. She has also starred in several Indian television shows.

Parmeet Sethi (Kuljeet)

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Parmeet Sethi played the guy who Simran’s father intended her to marry. Sethi appeared in some TV shows after that, and even went on to direct the Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma starrer Badmaash Company. He was last seen in Zoya Akhtar’s star studded Dil Dhadakne Do in a supporting role.

Satish Shah (Kuljeet’s father)

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Satish Shah made his mark on fans with his role as Kuljeet’s father. He continued appearing in several movies since then in roles providing comic relief, but is perhaps best known for his Indravardan Sarabhai in the much loved television show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. He was last seen in Sajid Khan’s Humshakals in 2014.

Mandira Bedi (Preeti)

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After her debut as Preeti, Mandira Bedi chose television over movies, most notably playing the titular role in Shanti and a negative character in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She is also known for her stint as the host for ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 and 2007. She is now involved with social work, including promoting faux leather for PETA, and has launched her own brand of saris.

Pooja Ruparel (Chutki, Simran’s little sister)

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Pooja Ruparel’s Chutki was on Team Raj since the start and wanted her sister to end up with him instead of her intended Kuljeet. Ruparel’s most notable role since then has been in the Indian remake of hit American thriller 24

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