"The railway has long inspired filmmakers"
Britain’s railway has teamed up with Yash Raj Films (YRF) for a UK-India cultural event celebrating two major milestones—30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and 200 years of the modern railway system in England.
As part of the Railway 200 campaign, YRF will present Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, directed by Aditya Chopra, who also directed the iconic 1995 film.
The musical will run at Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21.
Immersive activations are also being planned at Manchester and London Railway stations.
The original film, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, is one of India’s most beloved romances.
It was extensively shot in the UK, with a key scene filmed at London’s King’s Cross Railway Station.
DDLJ holds the record as the longest-running film in India, still being screened at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir Theatre.
A press release said: “Britain’s railway and YRF have announced their cultural collaboration as part of the Valentine’s Day celebrations, recognising the romance of train travel.
“YRF is currently producing the musical adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical (CFIL) in UK.”
The play follows Simran, a young British Indian woman, who is engaged to a family friend in India.
However, she falls in love with a British man named Roger.
The love story celebrates cross-cultural connections, much like the film it is based on.
Suzanne Donnelly, executive director of Railway 200, said:
“The railway has long inspired filmmakers and helped to shape our cultural landscape.
“Its bicentenary this year provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this hugely successful, rail-related Bollywood blockbuster, and its new musical opening in the UK this summer.”
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of YRF, highlighted the global appeal of DDLJ:
“To celebrate 30 years of DDLJ, we are bringing the stage adaptation of the movie – Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical to the UK!
“One of the most iconic scenes of DDLJ was filmed at King’s Cross Railway Station, which we are showcasing in Come Fall In Love!
“So, this is the perfect moment for us to partner with Railway 200.”
“Together, we want to spread the message of how unifying love can be and how celebrating diversity and inclusivity is the need of the hour.”
The production will feature 18 original English songs.
The creative team includes Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford, Indian dance co-choreographer Shruti Merchant, scenic designer Derek McLane, and casting director David Grindrod.
Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical promises to blend Bollywood romance with the magic of British theatre, making it a must-watch for fans of both cultures.
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