A planned statue unveiling honouring Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in London’s Leicester Square has been postponed due to the mounting conflict between India and Pakistan.
The statue, which features both stars, is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, one of the most beloved and longest running films in Indian cinema.
It will become part of Leicester Square’s “Scenes in the Square” trail, alongside other famous figures such as Harry Potter, Gene Kelly, Mary Poppins, and Batman.
The statue was due to be unveiled today (May 7), at a ceremony attended by King of Bollywood Khan, but a statement from the producers of the 1995 flick, Yash Raj Films, has confirmed that it will now be rescheduled “out of respect for the current situation” overseas.
On Wednesday night, India fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, killing at least 26 civilians, according to Islamabad officials.
Pakistan declared the strikes to be an “act of war” and said it had shot down several Indian fighter jets in retaliation.
India said it struck “terrorist infrastructure” used by militants linked to last month’s massacre of tourists in India-controlled Kashmir.
At least seven civilians were also killed in the region by Pakistani shelling, the Indian army said in a statement.
Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbours since the attack, which India has blamed Pakistan for backing. Islamabad has denied the accusation.
There are now growing fears that it could lead to an all-out war between the the two.
While Khan – known fondly by his legion of fans as SRK – was a no-show in London, earlier in the week he hit headlines after making his debut at the Met Gala in New York.
His attendance was a big moment for Bollywood as it marked the first time that a leading male of the genre had attended the annual event.
SRK went all-out for the occasion as well, sporting an all-black ensemble designed by Sabyasachi, accentuated by multiple neck accessories, including a big blinging initial “K”.
Taking to Instagram afterwards to reflect on the experience, he wrote: “Thanks, Sabyasachi and your whole team for introducing me to the MET Gala. It’s not my ‘space’ but you made me feel so comfortable… because you, like me, believe…Style & Fashion…is just being who you are. And all of you made me feel like a ‘K’!”
