This 'DDLJ' railway track deserves to be a tourist spot

Who can forget the scene in the iconic film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ) in which Shah Rukh Khan's character Raj extends his hand to Kajol's Simran, who runs towards his train. The original scene, which has also been recreated in many other movies, was shot at Maharashtra's Apta Railway Station (APTA), on the Panvel-Roha route. The scenic station was also reportedly the backdrop for Rajkumar Santoshi's Khakee, Fida, Rang De Basanti, Bunty Aur Babli, Chinatown, Shaadi No. 1, Swades, Slumdog Millionaire and the series Aahat. Recently, DDLJ actor and politician Anupam Kher visited the station and urged the government to turn it into a tourist spot. 

In a video posted on social media, Kher, who played SRK's dad, said, "I have come to a railway station, an iconic scene of an iconic film was shot here, it is an Indian cinema history that every Indian all over the world must have seen and remembered. The scene is from 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. It's like going to Sicily for a sequence of 'The Godfather'. These are iconic places...Thankful to Yash ji (Yash Chopra) and Adi (Aditya Chopra) for having me in the iconic film." The actor said that while shooting, the actors had no clue they were creating such a landmark in the history of Hindi films.

The film was released in 1995 and was directed by Aditya Chopra. It revolved around Simran and Raj, essayed by Kajol and Khan, who meet during a trip across Europe and fall in love. However, when Raj learns that Simran is already promised to another, he follows her to India to win her and her father over. Over the years, DDLJ emerged as one of the biggest hits in the country. 

What makes Apta station special
The station is on a beautiful hill on one side and by a road near a river on the other. It also has some beautifully curvy tracks and enough space for a film crew to park their vehicles and keep their equipment. It also has an extra track, on which trains for shoots can easily move back and forth. It is around 75 km from Mumbai, 2 hours away. 
(With PTI inputs))