In a memorable cultural exchange moment that captures the timeless magic of Bollywood cinema, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai on Wednesday to perform the iconic love anthem ‘Tuj Deka Tu Ye Jana Sanam’ from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ).
The screening of the timeless track, which marks 30 years since the film’s release, set the tone for the ground-breaking announcement that Yash Raj Films will return to shooting in the UK and produce three major films from early 2026, ending an eight-year hiatus.
This song choice was particularly poignant given DDLJ’s deep ties to the UK. A cultural phenomenon that bridged Indian cinema and British culture, the film was shot extensively in London and across the UK and has become synonymous with British-Indian relations.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, which welcomed Starmer to the studio, emphasized this special bond. “Britain holds a special place in our hearts and some of Britain’s most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country,” he said.
“It is truly special to rekindle the ties between YRF and British cinema on the 30th anniversary of DDLJ, a film synonymous with British-Indian relations,” Widani added.
Following a cultural presentation, Starmer announced that the three works are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy.
Mr Starmer said: “Bollywood is coming back to the UK, bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, while promoting the UK as a world-class destination for global film production.” “This is exactly the kind of partnership that a trade deal with India is destined to unleash.”
Starmer was accompanied by a delegation of heavyweights from the British film industry, including representatives from the British Film Institute, the British Film Board, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios.
The Prime Minister also held talks with actor Rani Mukerji, who is married to Yash Raj Film Chairman Aditya Chopra.
YRF is currently producing an English stage musical for DDLJ called “Come Fall in Love” (CFIL) in the UK. This work is an “East meets West” story that celebrates the spirit of inclusivity and love that transcends borders.
The visit coincides with Yash Raj Studios’ 20th anniversary of operations in India and builds on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement signed in July.
