In a cultural watershed moment, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an official visit to Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios in Mumbai, where he was warmly received by one of India’s most legendary film studios. The visit was on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Bollywood’s biggest all-time classic film. As Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam, the evergreen love song, played softly in the background, the Prime Minister was surrounded by the retro splendor of a movie that has left an eternal impact on the collective psyche of Indians and global viewers.
DDLJ, predominantly shot in London and throughout the UK, is a milestone in the history of cinema, a reflection of the deep cultural affinity between India and the United Kingdom. With the passage of time, the film has bridged the two countries through common narratives and values, nurturing the soft power of cinema.
Emphasizing this extended history, Yash Raj Films has recently announced a new creative partnership with the UK—a three-film production partnership to begin in 2026. The partnership is intended to further anchor the studio in the global arena and deepen the UK-India cultural connection.
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In addition, YRF is developing the stage musical Come Fall In Love: The DDLJ Musical, an English version of the original movie. With a theme of love, unity, and merger of cultures, the musical explores an “East meets West” concept, leveraging DDLJ’s rich legacy of diversity and international popularity.
The Prime Minister Starmer’s visit reflects the increasing cooperation between Indian and British creative economies and once again underscores the beneficial role that cinema plays in uniting cultures and facilitating cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
