'DDLJ' at 30—Britain to honor SRK-Kajol film with a musical
What's the story
In a first-of-its-kind cultural collaboration, Britain's railway system and Bollywood giant Yash Raj Films (YRF) are coming together.
Per Variety, the partnership will celebrate two important milestones in 2025: the bicentenary (200th anniversary) of Britain's railways and the 30th anniversary of the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
The joint venture was announced as part of Valentine's Day celebrations, emphasizing the romantic charm of rail travel.
Musical premiere
The 'DDLJ' musical to premiere in May
The report further stated that the collaboration will include Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical, YRF's stage adaptation of the 1995 blockbuster.
The musical will premiere at the Manchester Opera House on May 29.
It reimagines the original film, famous for its romantic scenes filmed at London's King's Cross Railway Station with Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles.
New narrative
'DDLJ' musical: A fresh take on a classic love story
The English-language musical, helmed by original DDLJ director Aditya Chopra, offers a new spin on the classic love story.
It follows Simran, a British Indian woman whose plans for an arranged marriage in India get complicated when she falls for a British man named Roger.
The show features 18 original English songs by Indian composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, with book and lyrics by Mean Girls veteran Nell Benjamin.
International collaboration
'DDLJ' musical: A global creative team and Broadway talent
The production of the DDLJ musical unites a global creative team and Broadway talent.
This includes Frozen choreographer Rob Ashford, Moulin Rouge! scenic designer Derek McLane, Indian dance specialist Shruti Merchant, and casting by David Grindrod.
The show will run until June 21, with activities planned at Manchester and London railway stations.
Meanwhile, the original DDLJ film remains the longest-running movie in Indian cinema. It has been running non-stop in Mumbai since its 1995 release.