Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan says UK statue is like having 'life-size doll'

Megastar Shah Rukh Khan is often described as Bollywood’s King of Romance.

So having recently got married, I can’t help but ask him when we meet in central London - what’s his advice for newlyweds?

Before Khan could answer, fellow actor Kajol jumped in.

"All his films he's done are about before marriage, not after marriage," she laughed.

"Till now, you were a candidate I could've given advice to. After marriage, you're on your own," Khan agreed.

But the superstar, who was in the UK for the unveiling of a new statue of him and Kajol in Leicester Square, did still offer some pearls of wisdom.

“Till then, I think I got it right. You must have romance, you must sing songs,” he said.

“And you must have watched DDLJ,” added Kajol.

DDLJ - or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - is the longest-running film in Indian cinema, and stars both actors.

The new statue, which was revealed on Thursday amid monsoon-like conditions, is commemorating 30 years since it first came out.

The film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, often dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood cinema, follows Raj and Simran's love story across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King's Cross station.

Some of the scenes are shot in London, and in Leicester Square itself.

The new monument joins sculptures of Harry Potter, Paddington and Bridget Jones as part of Leicester Square's Scenes in the Square trail.

Khan said it was "very befitting" to have the statue unveiled in London, because of the appeal of Bollywood films there.

"England's audience has been very responsible for Indian cinema's takeoff globally in modern times," he said.

The 60-year-old said he was "dying to show" it to his three children.

Co-star Kajol, also a renowned actor, added it feels "amazing" and "a little unbelievable" to be commemorated in this way.

Leicester Square's Scenes in the Square trail is run by Heart of London Business Alliance, supported by Westminster City Council.

Last month, a statue of Bridget Jones was added to the display.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films which produced Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, said it was "a huge moment of pride" to see the film being honoured in the UK.

"To be recognised alongside Hollywood icons like Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly and Harry Potter, shows the cultural impact DDLJ has had the world over."

Ros Morgan, chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, added: "We're proud to welcome global megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to our Scenes in the Square trail.

"Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a cinematic phenomenon that has shaped generations, and London's first tribute to Indian cinema honours a story whose magic continues to captivate audiences worldwide."