It was a moment of cultural significance as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the birthplace of India’s cinematic and cultural icon Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), ahead of the film’s 30th anniversary.
The Prime Minister was given a tour of the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studio by National Award-winning actress Rani Mukerji, who is also the wife of YRF’s head, Aditya Chopra. During the visit, Prime Minister Starmer announced a new cultural collaboration between the UK and YRF, as the production house confirmed plans to film several major productions across the United Kingdom from early 2026. The initiative is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and provide a significant boost to the British economy.
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Speaking about the partnership, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking. This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock driving growth, strengthening cultural ties and delivering for communities across the country.” He also announced that Yash Raj Films (YRF) will shoot three major projects in the United Kingdom starting in early 2026. The move is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and boost the British economy.
YRF’s CEO, Akshaye Widhani, has said “The UK holds a very special place in our hearts, and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country. We were honoured to host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at YRF today to formalise this pact and to discuss how India and the UK can come together to advance the global content landscape through landmark collaborations like this.”
Set in London, the story of DDLJ followed two second-generation Indian immigrants who fall in love and ultimately reunite in their homeland, India, a refreshing narrative for its time in the 1990s. The film starred Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles.Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to the home of Yash Raj Films symbolised India’s growing social and cultural influence across the world and marks the beginning of DDLJ’s 30th anniversary celebrations on 20 October 2025.
Asian Standard was proud to have worked with Yash Raj Films in 2016 on their hit film Befikre, starring Vaani Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.
