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The Romantics: Switzerland honours Yash Chopra for his role in introducing their country's splendour to Indian audiences

Several Yash Raj Films-produced films are shot in Switzerland.

The Romantics: Switzerland honours Yash Chopra for his role in introducing their country's splendour to Indian audiences
Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in a stll from Darr

Last Updated: 08.54 AM, Feb 15, 2023

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By recognising Yash Chopra's contribution to Indian audiences' appreciation of Switzerland through the magic of his films, Switzerland pays tribute to the illustrious director. The Romantics, a highly anticipated Netflix documentary series, honours Yash Chopra and YRF's legacy and the cultural influence they have had on Indians for the past 50 years.

According to Remo Käser, Director of Sales at Swiss company Jungfrau Railways, for years, the legendary Yash Chopra has introduced Indians all over the world to the beauty of Switzerland, and particularly the Jungfrau Region, through his exquisite, soulful cinema. Indians who return year after year to the Jungfraujoch at the summit of Europe have always told them how the romantic films of Yash Chopra inspired them to travel to the Jungfrau Region and Interlaken and create lifelong memories.

The Swiss government will commemorate Yash Chopra's legacy all around the nation, particularly in the locations where the director shot blockbuster movies like Darr and Chandni. The legendary blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was also filmed in Switzerland by his son, Aditya Chopra.

Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in a stll from Darr
Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in a stll from Darr

In large part because of Yash Chopra's films, every Indian has been fascinated by Switzerland's snow-capped Alps, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. He reportedly went to Switzerland for his honeymoon and fell in love with it right away. Over the years, the Swiss government has consistently honoured the renowned director.

Only the railway's creator, Adolf Guyer, had a train named after him when it debuted in 2011 on the Jungfrau Railways in Switzerland. His name and signature were on a signboard on the train. The Swiss government placed a bronze statue of Yash Chopra as a tribute in May 2016 close to Interlaken's Congress Center, a well-known tourist destination.

A unique, premium suite with a movie theme has been named after Yash Chopra at the illustrious Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. The director opened the suite in 2011. In the Canton of Berne, Lake Lauenen is referred to as Lake Chopra! Yash Chopra became the first recipient of the accolade when the Swiss government bestowed upon him the title of Ambassador of Interlaken. The Swiss Ambassador's Award was also given to him.

Remo added that India and Switzerland share a strong bond of respect and affection for one another, and Yash Chopra has significantly contributed to the fostering of this bond between the two great countries. To honour his legacy here would make Switzerland justifiably proud.

In The Romantics, the biggest names in Hindi film, from Aamir Khan to Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan to Ranbir Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan to Ranveer Singh, Rani Mukerji to Hrithik Roshan, and Katrina Kaif to Anushka Sharma, all got together to talk about what Yash Chopra and YRF have done for an Indian film.

Smriti Mundhra, an Oscar- and Emmy-nominated director who previously worked on Indian Matchmaking and Never Have I Ever, Season 3, returns to Netflix with The Romantics. 35 prominent film industry figures who have directly collaborated with YRF throughout its 50-year illustrious history are featured in this four-part Netflix docuseries.

It's interesting to note that Aditya Chopra, the secretive president of venerable Yash Raj Films, has also taped his first on-camera interview for The Romantics! In this docuseries, he talks about YRF and the Hindi film industry. This is sure to be a highlight for the film community, cinephiles, and Hindi film fans in general. 

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