As 2025 marks the completion of 200 years of modern railways, Yash Raj Films (YRF) and UK Railways have announced a groundbreaking cultural collaboration to celebrate the enduring love and romance that has been immortalized through the magic of train travel. The union also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), a classic romantic film that has captured hearts worldwide.
The partnership between YRF and UK Railways highlights how railways and love are intertwined in cinema, specifically through DDLJ. Many of the film’s most memorable and romantic scenes were filmed in the UK, with train travel playing a pivotal role. DDLJ, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, continues to be a beloved classic that defined an era of romance in Indian cinema. One of the most iconic scenes was filmed at King's Cross Railway Station, where Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Raj, and Kajol’s character, Simran, first meet. This station has since become synonymous with the film and continues to evoke nostalgia for fans around the world.
To mark this cultural legacy, YRF is bringing DDLJ to life in a new form with a musical adaptation titled Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. The musical will be staged at the Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21, 2025, and promises to bring the same magic and romance of the original film to the stage. Directed by the iconic Aditya Chopra, who helmed the original DDLJ, the musical will explore the blend of Eastern and Western cultures, showcasing a cross-cultural love story.
The musical’s storyline draws inspiration from the character of Simran and follows a young British-Indian woman who is engaged to a family friend in India through an arranged marriage. However, her life takes a turn when she unexpectedly falls in love with a British man named Roger. The musical celebrates the fusion of cultures, capturing the same love and emotion that made the original film unforgettable. Music for the production will be composed by Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, with lyrics and the book written by Neil Benjamin. Rob Ashford and Shruti Merchant are handling the choreography.
This collaboration between YRF and UK Railways is not just about celebrating DDLJ’s 30-year legacy but also about showcasing the power of train travel as a symbol of connection and romance. Suzanne Donnelly, Executive Director of 'Railway 200', expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Yash Raj Films to celebrate the enduring romance and power of connection through railways around the world. Railways have inspired countless filmmakers and helped shape our cultural landscape.”
This cultural collaboration brings together the best of cinema, music, and history while celebrating the rich cultural ties between the UK and India. It marks an extraordinary moment in both the cinematic and railway world, offering fans a new way to experience the timeless romance of DDLJ.