"Ja Simran Ja!": Anupam Kher Returns to the Iconic DDLJ Station 32 Years Later, Calls for Heritage Status
- byPranay Jain
- 11 May, 2026
Nearly 32 years after the train doors closed on one of Indian cinema’s most legendary moments, veteran actor Anupam Kher returned to the very spot where Raj and Simran’s story reached its emotional peak. The actor took to social media to share a nostalgic video from Apta Railway Station, sparking a wave of memories for fans of the 1995 classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
A Walk Down Memory Lane at Apta Station
Located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Apta Station served as the backdrop for the famous climax where Amrish Puri finally lets go of Kajol’s hand with the immortal line, "Ja Simran ja, jee le apni zindagi."
Standing on the same platform three decades later, Anupam Kher expressed deep emotion:
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A Timeless Feeling: Kher noted that standing there felt as if time had stood still, despite the 32-year gap since the film's release.
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The Yash Chopra Legacy: He fondly remembered the warmth and generosity of the late director Yash Chopra, noting that "magic resides in places just as much as in films."
A Plea for Preservation: "Make it a Tourist Destination"
In his heartfelt post, Kher made a direct appeal to the Maharashtra Government to recognize the cultural significance of the location.
"I sincerely wish the government develops this place as a tourist destination. Around the world, such film locations become part of people’s emotions. This heritage of cinema should be preserved with respect," Kher wrote.
Why Apta Station Matters
While DDLJ is famous for its Swiss landscapes, its heart was rooted in the Indian railway system. Apta Station has since become a pilgrimage site for Bollywood enthusiasts, but Kher’s viral video highlights that the location remains largely a functional, humble station rather than a protected landmark.
The Power of the Climax
Kher admitted that during the original shoot, the cast never imagined the scene between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol would become a permanent fixture in the global cinematic lexicon. Today, it remains the ultimate symbol of love and liberation in Indian pop culture.
The Bottom Line: As the video goes viral, the call to turn Apta Station into an official "DDLJ Landmark" is gaining momentum, ensuring that the magic of Raj and Simran’s farewell is preserved for future generations of dreamers.






