During his visit to Mumbai’s Yash Raj Studios, British PM Keir Starmer was captivated by the iconic song 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam' as he unveiled a landmark plan bringing Bollywood productions back to the UK.
Starmer’s Bollywood moment in Mumbai
In a heartwarming cultural moment celebrating 30 years of Bollywood’s most beloved romance, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was treated to a screening of the iconic song 'Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam' from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) during his visit to Yash Raj Studios on Wednesday.
The song, which continues to define an era of Hindi cinema, played in a sound studio as Starmer listened intently, visibly moved. “It’s a 30-year-old song,” he remarked with awe, as the melody filled the room.
Yash Raj Films to resume shooting in UK
The nostalgic musical tribute set the tone for a major announcement: Yash Raj Films (YRF) will return to filming in the UK after an eight-year hiatus, launching three major productions starting in early 2026.
The decision marks a significant revival of the India–UK entertainment partnership, expected to create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the British economy.
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“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity — all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for filmmaking,” Starmer said. “This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock.”
DDLJ: Cultural bridge between India, UK
The choice of DDLJ was deeply symbolic. The film, released in 1995, was extensively shot in London and across the UK, and has long been seen as a cinematic bridge between Indian and British cultures.
The movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, became a global phenomenon and continues to hold the record as the longest-running film in Indian cinema, with a daily screening at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir.
YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, who hosted Starmer, said, “The UK holds a very special place in our hearts. Some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country.”
“It is truly special to reignite YRF and UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous with the UK–India relationship,” Widhani added.
Starmer meets Rani Mukerji; British film delegation joins visit
Starmer was accompanied by a delegation of top British film industry figures, including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.
He also met actor Rani Mukerji, who is married to YRF Chair Aditya Chopra, and discussed the growing scope of UK–India film collaborations. Photos from the visit showed Starmer interacting with Rani and Akshaye Widhani, even sitting at an editing console inside the studio.
YRF’s global vision: DDLJ musical
Yash Raj Films is currently producing an English-language stage adaptation of DDLJ titled 'Come Fall in Love: The DDLJ Musical' (CFIL). The production — an “East meets West” love story — is being staged in the UK and stars Jena Pandya and Ashley Day in lead roles.
The musical highlights themes of inclusivity, identity, and cross-cultural love, reinforcing the timeless appeal of DDLJ’s message.
Strengthening UK–India cultural and trade ties
Starmer’s visit to Yash Raj Studios coincided with the 20th anniversary of the studio’s operations in India and followed the signing of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July.
According to the British High Commission, the visit aimed to strengthen cultural ties and promote collaboration between the British and Indian film industries — a partnership that is poised to expand further in coming years.
Fans celebrate Keir Starmer’s reaction to DDLJ
The video of Starmer’s reaction, shared by Yash Raj Films on Instagram, quickly went viral. Fans flooded the comments section, celebrating his appreciation for Indian cinema.
One user wrote, “Shah Rukh Khan is winning hearts everywhere,” while another added, “That’s exactly how we all felt when we first heard this song!”
