British Railways has decided that the best way to celebrate its 200th anniversary is with a grand, Bollywood-style love story because nothing says “efficient public transport” quite like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In collaboration with Yash Raj Films, they’re marking this historic moment with Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, a stage adaptation of the film that has defined romance for generations (and taught us that if she loves you, she’ll definitely board a moving train).
Directed by none other than Aditya Chopra, the musical will premiere at Manchester Opera House on 29 May and run until 21 June, giving British audiences a chance to experience Raj and Simran’s love story in an entirely new way-minus the mustard fields, but hopefully with some excellent choreography.
The decision to celebrate this milestone with DDLJ makes perfect sense, given the film’s iconic train sequences and its deep connection to the UK. After all, who could forget the climactic scene at King’s Cross Railway Station where Raj almost left Simran behind? Executive Director of Railway 200, Suzanne Donnelly, called the partnership a “thrilling” way to celebrate both railway history and Bollywood’s global influence.
Meanwhile, YRF’s CEO, Akshaye Widhani, emphasised how DDLJ perfectly embodies the studio’s goal of creating stories that are both deeply Indian and universally beloved. And really, what better way to honour 200 years of train travel than with a film that made running for a train look like the ultimate test of love?
So, whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just really passionate about locomotives, this collaboration is bound to be unforgettable. And in case you’re wondering—yes, DDLJ is still running at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir Theatre, proving that some love stories (and some train journeys) never really end.
