'DDLJ' turns 25: Why Shah Rukh Khan was unsure of playing a romantic 'hero'

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is 25 years old today, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan looks back at the 1995 blockbuster that helped cement his loverboy image.

SRK says he was initially sceptical about his ability to pull off the romantic scenes in the ever-popular love story. "I was told by many people that I looked unconventional, very different from what the perception of a leading man was. I did feel, maybe, not being handsome enough -- or, as they called it back then, 'chocolaty' -- would make me unsuitable for romantic roles. Also, I am very shy and awkward with ladies, and I didn't know how I would say all the loving, romantic bits," he recalled.

"I have to admit, for someone who doesn't like mushy and romantic films, the scenes Kajol and I did make me feel fuzzy and warm! There, I said it," he smiled.

Recalling playing the protagonist Raj, SRK said: "Raj was unlike anything I had done. Before DDLJ, there was Darr, Baazigar and Anjaam -- films in which I had portrayed negative characters. Also, I always felt that I wasn't cut out to play any romantic type of character. So, when I was presented with the opportunity by Adi and Yash (Chopra) ji to essay the role, I was excited to work with him but had no idea how to go about it, and also if I would be able to do it well. It was one of those roles that I realised I can do with me using a version of my real self. So, you might see some quirks, habits and mannerisms that were true to my off-screen persona -- especially the sense of humour part," he added.

DDLJ would go on to become the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema. It ran for over 20 years in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre.

Apart from Shah Rukh and Kajol, late actor Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Anupam Kher and Parmeet Sethi also left an indelible mark with stellar performances.

Beyond fresh storytelling, characterisation and performances, the film is also remembered to this day for the songs Jatin-Lalit composed.

SRK says he still listens to the songs of the film. "I don't change the radio channel when a DDLJ song comes on. I can never get sick of them. They bring back memories of a film that shaped my path forward in an unforgettable way," Shah Rukh reminisced.

According to him, DDLJ helped him "cement my place and brought me fame in a way that I didn't think it would".

"As for perception, I always felt that I can play more unconventional roles because of my looks, but DDLJ has belied that and I still struggle to make that one macho unconventional kicka** character which suits me, or so I thought. But it's been a struggle to not be considered romantic and sweet for the last 25 years -- a struggle, I guess, I am happy to lose," Shah Rukh quipped.

To mark 25 years of this special film, Shah Rukh changed his Twitter handle to his DDLJ character name 'Raj Malhotra' and shared some clips from the film. He wrote, "25 years!!! Filled with gratitude towards you for loving Raj & Simran, with all your heart. This always feels special. #DDLJ25 @yrf."