There’s something beautifully full-circle about this moment. Thirty-one years after Raj chased Simran across the mustard fields of Europe, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is being celebrated not just by Bollywood fans — but by The Academy itself, the governing body behind the Oscars. And Kajol, ever the Simran of our hearts, didn’t miss her chance to cast her vote.
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What DDLJ Exactly Happened?
On April 11, 2026, The Academy shared posters of four romantic travel films on X (formerly Twitter) — You Me and Tuscany, The Holiday, Eat Pray Love, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge — asking fans to pick their favourite romance film that involves travel. When the post reached Kajol, she reposted it with a clear, no-hesitation answer: “I vote for DDLJ.”
Nobody was surprised. And nobody disagreed either.
DDLJ: A Quick Look at the Films The Academy Featured
| Film | Country | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge | India | 1995 |
| The Holiday | USA/UK | 2006 |
| Eat Pray Love | USA | 2010 |
| You Me and Tuscany | — | Recent |
DDLJ sharing space with globally celebrated Hollywood rom-coms on an official Academy list is, quietly, a massive moment for Indian cinema.
Why DDLJ Still Hits Different After 30 Years
Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ celebrated three decades since its release on October 20, 1995. Kajol marked the milestone by sharing a heartfelt note, saying the film had spread around the world and through everybody’s hearts and minds in ways that simply cannot be counted.
That’s not just nostalgia talking. The film genuinely transcended borders in a way that very few Bollywood productions ever have. Shah Rukh Khan, reflecting on the 30-year milestone, told Variety that he remains truly grateful for all the love received from people across the world for playing Raj, and that nobody could have foreseen the kind of place the film would find in the hearts of people globally.
The train platform. The mustard fields. The outstretched hand. These images have become part of a universal romantic language — and now The Academy has officially acknowledged that.
For more iconic Bollywood moments and film news, explore TechnoSports’ entertainment section.
Also read: Greatest Bollywood films of all time — a look back at Hindi cinema’s legacy
FAQs
Q: Why did The Academy include DDLJ in its romance travel film list?
The Academy featured DDLJ alongside Hollywood titles as part of a fan poll on X, recognising it as one of the world’s most beloved travel romance films — a massive global recognition for Indian cinema.
Q: When did Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge complete 30 years?
DDLJ celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 20, 2025, marking three decades since its original theatrical release in 1995.
