#25YearsofDDLJ – 4 Ways the Iconic Film Still Remains a big Part of Indian Weddings

Haaye, where do I even begin describing my love and obsession of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge? It’s been 25 years since the movie was released and it still continues to be one of the greatest Bollywood movies of all time. I still blush when Simran palats and want to run through the field of yellow flowers and into Raj’s arms as he stretches them wide open for me.

There are numerous ways in which the movie set major goals. The young lovers of that time and of the generations to follow started dreaming of the magical love that Simran and Raj, wishing of having the same kind of love story. In terms of Indian weddings, there much to take away from DDLJ. Here are 4 ways in which DDLJ still gets incorporated into a big fat Indian wedding:

Songs

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“Mehendi laga ke rakhna,

Doli saja ke rakhna

Lene tujhe o gori 

Aayenge tere sajna”

There is no denying that this song struck a chord with the audience and instantly made people fall in love with its beat. Even today, it is one of the most popular songs played during wedding celebrations, especially during the Mehendi ceremony. Then again you have Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jana Sanam which is basically a dream song that a girl would love to be serenaded with (I do too). 

Love Story

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Travelling to a foreign land and falling in love – that’s the dream, right? DDLJ had its incredibly sweet moments, doses of impactful drama and above all, a love story that reinforced the idea of ‘young love’ among couples. One of my parts of the movie is the entire Karva Chauth bit where Simran fakes fainting and ends up breaking her fast with Raj. 

Outfits

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May it be the satin halter neck gown with the high slit that Simran wore in Ruk Ja o Dil Deewane or the green Punjabi suit in Mehendi Laga ke Rakhna or even the wedding lehenga she wore as her father (played by Amrish Puri) said the line, “Ja Simran ja, jee le apni zindagi.”, the movie showcased various outfits that young brides-to-be began envisioning themselves in. Even Raj’s outfits were not far behind in setting trends. Especially, his leather jacket which suddenly became the most common clothing item worn by people during the time. 

Pre-Wedding Shoot

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The film was such a big hit that it was soon setting trends and couples starting re-enacting certain poses and scenes of the film into their pre-wedding shoots! These to-be-weds wanted to get photographed at the same locations where the movie was shot and in the same costumes.