Switzerland paid tribute to the legendary Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra, saluting his contribution of having showcased Switzerland’s beauty to Indians through the magic of his cinema.
The much-talked-about Netflix docu-series, ‘The Romantics’, releasing on Valentine’s Day is a celebration of that legacy of Chopra, his YRF production house and its cultural impact on Indians over the past 50 years.
Remo Käser, Director of Sales Jungfrau Railways, Switzerland, said: “The legend, Yash Chopra, has presented the beauty of Switzerland and especially the Jungfrau region to Indians across the world for generations, through his beautiful, soulful cinema.
“Indians, who come to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe year on year, have always spoken to us about how the romantic films of Yash Chopra have pushed them to visit the Jungfrau region and Interlaken and make memories for a lifetime.”
The Swiss authorities are celebrating Chopra’s legacy across the country, especially in places where the filmmaker shot mega-hits like ‘Darr’ and ‘Chandni’. His son Aditya Chopra also shot the all-time blockbuster, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge‘ or DDLJ as it is popularly known in Switzerland.
Indians has been enchanted by Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and pristine lakes in large part because of Yash Chopra’s films. It is said that he visited Switzerland for his honeymoon and was smitten by the country instantly. The Swiss government has continuously honoured the legendary filmmaker over the years.
In 2011, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Railways inaugurated a train named after him — an honour shared only with the railway’s founder, Adolf Guyer. The train featured his signature and name on a signboard.
In May 2016, a bronze statue of Yash Chopra was installed by the Switzerland government as a tribute, near the Congress Centre in Interlaken, a popular tourist spot.
Lake Lauenen, in the Canton of Berne, is referred to as Lake Chopra and the Swiss honoured Yash Chopra with the title of Ambassador of Interlaken, making him the first recipient of the award. He was also bestowed the Swiss Ambassador’s Award.
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Remo adds: “Switzerland and India have a great bond of mutual respect and admiration and Yash Chopra has played a monumental role in solidifying the relationship between our great nations. Switzerland is only too proud to celebrate his legacy here.”
From Aamir Khan to Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan to Ranbir Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan to Ranveer Singh, Rani Mukerji to Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif to Anushka Sharma, the mega-stars and icons of Hindi cinema have come together to speak about Yash Chopra and YRF’s contribution to Indian cinema in ‘The Romantics’.
It has been directed by Oscar & Emmy-nominated film-maker Smriti Mundhra, who returns to Netflix after the success of ‘Indian Matchmaking’ and the ‘Never Have I Ever Season 3’.
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The four-part docu-series, will feature 35 leading personalities from the film industry, who have closely worked with YRF through its 50-year creative run.
The reclusive head of the production house, Aditya Chopra, has also recorded his first on-camera interview for ‘The Romantics’.
*Info: The Romantics
