800 weeks of DDLJ

The many-hued Shah Rukh-Kajol love story, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will complete 800 weeks at Maratha Mandir in February next year. Yes, a spectacle it indeed is. Manoj Desai, owner of the theatre has no plans of discontinuing the screening of the film. 

And why would he? Not after DDLJ producer Yash Chopra has decided to organise a mega celebration in February 2011, when the film completes 800 weeks of running. 

Like most Yash Raj projects, this event too is being planned at a large scale and preparations have already begun. On Monday, Yash Chopra called up Manoj Desai to tell him about the plans he had for the celebration. Says a source, “The celebration will either be held at Maratha Mandir or at a five-star hotel.” 

The invitations are soon going to be sent out to the cast and crew of DDLJ. Kajol would hopefully bring her second child along since she is due this September. The source adds, “DDLJ keeps getting better; it is like old wine. The magic of this evergreen romance keeps pulling audiences to Maratha Mandir.” 

February 2010 saw the film set a record by completing 750 weeks of running. Apparently, Yash Raj Films wanted to celebrate this year. “Somehow, things did not fall into place this year,” reveals the source. 

Directed by Aditya Chopra, DDLJ opened to full houses and rave reviews all over the world on October 20, 1995. Since then, it is the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema. 

Manoj Desai said, “Yes. Celebration ki baat hui hai. Right now I am out of town. When I am back, I will further talk to Yashji about this.” However a Yash Raj Films spokesperson denied any such plans.