On 8 October Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived at the iconic Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai during his two-day trade visit to India. The visit, aimed at increasing business and cultural cooperation, particularly in the creative industry, saw Starmer welcomed warmly by actress Rani Mukerji, YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, and waving children.
Starmer screened the film specially at the studio and held talks with Mukerji and Widhani on how to enhance cooperation between the entertainment industries of the UK and India. The UK Prime Minister noted Bollywood’s rekindled interest in Britain, underlining its ability to drive jobs, investment, and cross-cultural exchange. “Bollywood is back in Britain,” he said, “with opportunity and growth and showcasing the UK as a world-class destination to make films.”
YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani also discussed the importance of the UK to YRF, reminding us that Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) was shot there. The visit comes also after the 30th anniversary of DDLJ and with YRF currently producing Come Fall in Love—a stage adaptation of DDLJ in English—in the UK.
As part of this new collaboration, the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Corporation of India entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will facilitate co-productions, make sharing talent possible, and open up easier access to UK locations and infrastructure for Indian producers.
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This collaboration leverages previous success such as Slumdog Millionaire, the UK-Indian co-production that garnered £300 million on a £12 million budget, underpinning cross-cultural storytelling backed by UK financing and Indian ingenuity.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and actor Rani Mukerji watch a screening during the PM's visit to Yash Raj Films in Mumbai.
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
(Pics source: Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/4FiQMcAY5M
