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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.K. Culture Secretary Hails ‘DDLJ' Bollywood Musical as Symbol of Growing India Ties (EXCLUSIVE)
U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy is pointing to the British premiere of Bollywood musical 'Come Fall in Love — The DDLJ Musical' as evidence of strengthening cultural bonds between Britain and India, following her recent ministerial visit to the subcontinent. 'It was a privilege to represent the U.K. government in India last month where I met with my ministerial counterparts to help strengthen the deep cultural ties between our two great countries,' Nandy said. 'That deepening bond between our nations is evident in one of Bollywood's most beloved stories coming to the UK. I hope that 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' is a great success in Manchester showcasing a talented British cast, including many local performers from the North West.' More from Variety Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to 'DDLJ' Musical Rehearsals Ahead of U.K. Premiere (EXCLUSIVE) U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Rules Out Streamer Levy (EXCLUSIVE) 'DDLJ' Musical Unveils Full U.K. Cast - Global Bulletin The culture secretary's comments come as Aditya Chopra's English musical comedy adaptation of Bollywood blockbuster 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' ('DDLJ') opened Wednesday night at Manchester Opera House. The production runs through June 21. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: 'We're proud to welcome the U.K. premiere of 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' to Manchester, a city that celebrates creativity, diversity, and international storytelling. This iconic reimagining of a beloved Indian film is a landmark moment for cultural collaboration between the U.K. and India, and we're honored that Manchester is at the heart of it.' The musical is based on one of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters in Indian cinema history. 'DDLJ' holds the record as the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its 1995 release. The stage adaptation features 18 new English songs performed by a cast that includes both rising British talent with local links to Manchester and the North West, as well as internationally renowned South Asian artists. Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said: 'It is always a great honor for us to take India and its stories to the world. We are thrilled to open 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' at the magnificent and historic Manchester Opera House. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' is not only YRF's treasured IP but it is one of the biggest IPs in the history of Indian cinema, a story that has resonated with people worldwide for over 30 years now.' Widhani added: 'We look forward to sharing this magical version of 'DDLJ' with those who cherish the original film, as well as introducing the charm of DDLJ to new audiences for the first time.' He also praised Nandy's 'brilliant effort in forging deep cultural ties with India.' The production stars Jena Pandya ('Bhangra Nation,' 'Mamma Mia') as Simran and Ashley Day ('An American in Paris,' 'Dynasty') as Rog, supported by a company including Irvine Iqbal ('The Father and the Assassin') as Baldev, Kara Lane ('The Addams Family') as Minky, and Millie O'Connell ('Six') as Cookie. The award-winning creative team includes book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Tony winner for 'Mean Girls,' Olivier Award winner for 'Legally Blonde'), music by Bollywood hitmakers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, and choreography by Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford ('Frozen,' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'). The production also features scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane ('MJ the Musical,' 'Moulin Rouge!') and Indian dance co-choreography by Shruti Merchant. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan surprises DDLJ musical cast in London
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a surprise appearance at a rehearsal for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical in London this week, just days after the planned unveiling of a statue honouring his iconic film was postponed due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The statue, depicting Khan, 59, and co-star Kajol, 50, as their beloved characters Raj and Simran from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), was scheduled to be unveiled in Leicester Square on May 7 as part of celebrations marking the film's 30th anniversary. It will eventually join the 'Scenes in the Square' trail, alongside film icons such as Harry Potter, Gene Kelly, Mary Poppins, and Batman. DDLJ, released in 1995, remains the longest-running film in Indian cinema, screening continuously in Mumbai since its debut. The big unveiling was set to include an appearance by Khan, but producers Yash Raj Films announced that it would be delayed until an as yet unconfirmed future date 'out of respect' for the situation overseas. The night before had seen a deadly escalation in the region with India firing missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, killing at least 26 civilians, according to Islamabad officials. Pakistan declared the strikes an 'act of war' and responded by shooting down several Indian fighter jets. India stated that the missile strikes targeted 'terrorist infrastructure' linked to militants involved in last month's massacre of tourists in India-controlled Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistani shelling killed at least seven civilians in the region. While a US-brokered ceasefire on Saturday helped contain the stand-off, it revived concerns over the fragility of regional stability. Meanwhile, the musical — set in both the UK and India and directed by original filmmaker Aditya Chopra — is preparing to open in Manchester. Reflecting on Khan's visit, lead actress Jena Pandya (Simran) said: 'Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour… it will be a long-lasting memory for me.' Ashley Day (Rog) called the experience 'unbelievable,' adding: 'He greeted us all with such love and genuine excitement… I can't imagine what it must feel like to see a project—beloved by millions—being reimagined as a musical 30 years later.' Composers Vishal & Sheykhar also praised the moment. Vishal Dadlani said Khan 'loved the songs, the voices and the energy of the performances,' while Sheykhar Ravjiani noted the actor's emotional connection to theatre, where his career first began: 'The experience is a moment that will be etched in their hearts forever.' Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical will run from May 29 - June 21 at the Palace Opera House in Manchester with tickets on sale from
India Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
SRK meets new Raj and Simran from DDLJ-inspired musical, Come Fall In Love. Pics
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan met the new Raj and Simran from the 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge'-inspired musical 'Come Fall In Love'. The actor met the leads, Jena Pandya and Ashley Day, who play Simran and Roger, respectively, along with the crew of the Rukh, who became a global household name as Raj in the 1995 original film, dropped by ahead of the musical's UK premiere, which opens at the Manchester Opera House on May 29. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and denims, the actor was all smiles as he posed for a photo with the musical's visit was kept under wraps until the musical's official Instagram account shared the pictures. Shah Rukh Khan meets Dilwale Dulhaniya Lejayenge - inspired musical, 'Come Fall In Love' cast and crew in London. (Photo Credit: comefallinlovemusical) Jena Pandya, stepping into the role originally made famous by Bollywood actor Kajol, spoke of her admiration after meeting the legendary actor. 'Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour. He was so generous with his time and support for the show. Being able to show him some of the iconic scenes that he and Kajol originally established was an incredible feeling and will be a long-lasting memory for me. I can't wait to head to Manchester next week and put this story on stage!," she Day, who plays Roger, a reimagined version of Raj, described the moment, saying, 'When he arrived in our rehearsal room and met the full company, it was a moment that quietly landed on all of us, especially in a way that didn't need words,' he said. 'He greeted us all with such love and genuine excitement about what we've been building. I can't imagine what it must feel like to see a project - beloved by millions - being reimagined as a musical 30 years later. And yet, he kept asking to see more!," Day added. Shah Rukh Khan meets new Raj and Simran along with the DDLJ musical crew (Photo Credit: Instagram/comefallinlovemusical) 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' is directed by the original film director Aditya Chopra and reimagines the cross-cultural love story across the UK and India. It retains the heart of the film while offering a fresh take with an all-new English score composed by musical duo Vishal and Shekhar, following in the footsteps of the original's music legends musical features a cast including Irvine Iqbal, Kara Lane, Harveen Mann-Neary, Amonik Melaco, Millie O'Connel, Ankur Sabharwal, Kinshuk Sen, and Russel Reel IN THIS STORY#Kajol Devgan
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shah Rukh Khan visits Aditya Chopra's 'Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical' rehearsals in London
Shah Rukh Khan , the heartthrob of Aditya Chopra directed historic blockbuster ' Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge ' (DDLJ), made a surprise visit to the London rehearsal room of ' Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical .' This new stage adaptation of the beloved 1995 Hindi romantic film, in which Khan starred as Raj and Kajol as Simran, is set to make its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House from 29 May to 21 June 2025. 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' is set in the UK and India and is being directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film. DDLJ is the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995. DDLJ is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The cast and crew shares.... Jena Pandya (playing Simran) said: 'Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour. He was so generous with his time and support for the show. Being able to show him some of the iconic scenes that himself and Kajol originally established was an incredible feeling and will be a long-lasting memory for me. I can't wait to head to Manchester next week and put this story on stage!' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Ashley Day (playing Rog) added: 'When he arrived in our rehearsal room and met the full company, it was a moment that quietly landed on all of us—special in a way that didn't need words. Watching everyone take him in, I could feel how meaningful it was. He greeted us all with such love and genuine excitement about what we've been building. I can't imagine what it must feel like to see a project—beloved by millions—being reimagined as a musical 30 years later. And yet, he kept asking to see more! The words we shared privately are for one Raj to another Rog—but I will say, he was very happy. It was an unbelievable afternoon. I'll never forget it.' Iconic music duo and composers Vishal and Shekhar of the new English musical also commented on meeting Shah Rukh Khan and shared their excitement. Vishal Dadlani said, 'Having Shah Rukh visit our workshop was an amazingly positive experience for all of us. Raj met Rog, so to speak! What a wonderful moment in time. Of course, crucially for us, he loved the songs, the voices and the energy of the performances! He met and engaged with every single person after watching the rehearsals and even re-lived his musical theatre experiences from his early days. It's safe to say our cast and ensemble will always treasure their time with him. We're all hoping he makes it to Manchester to watch the show truly take wing at the magnificent Palace Opera House.' Sheykhar Ravjiani added, 'Mr. Shah Rukh Khan's visit on the sets of Come Fall In Love was a surprise that I think the entire cast and crew will cherish forever! His aura and sheer presence aside, meeting the original 'Raj' was an absolute delight for all of them. Theatre holds a very special place for Mr Shah Rukh Khan as his career began there and every member of the cast and crew could feel his pure love for theatre and the craft. The experience of meeting him and interacting with him is a moment that will be etched in their hearts forever.' 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' makes its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 29 May 2025 and runs until Saturday 21 June 2025. It will have a press night on Wednesday 4 June 2025. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Raj and Simran to earn a bronze statue in London
Cult classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will be the first Indian film to be immortalised at London's "Scenes in the Square" film trail in Leicester Square. As per Variety, after a five-year planning process, stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will both earn bronze statues thanks to their iconic romantic comedy. The statue will be positioned on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon cinema. Longtime fans know that DDLJ follows a single love story that spans continents. In fact, the film kicks off in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London, with other well-known sites in the city also appearing in the film. Leicester Square is also the place where the leads Raj and Simran meet for the first time, making it a fitting spot for their adventures to be immortalised. "We're thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in 'Scenes in the Square'. It also marks 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has spread love and joy globally and shows the cultural impact it has had in the UK," said Yash Raj Films (YRF) CEO Akshaye Widhani. "It's fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema," expressed Mark Williams, deputy chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance. Williams added, "We are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognised on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel and Hardy to Harry Potter. The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London's rich diversity." Other characters accompanying Bollywood's beloved romantic pair are Bugs Bunny, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, Paddington, and DC superheroes Batman and Wonder Woman. In February, Britain's railway system joined forces with YRF to celebrate both 200 years of the railway and the 30th anniversary of DDLJ. The collaboration centered around the film's stage adaptation, Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. Suzanne Donnelly, Executive Director of Railway 200, said of the collaboration, "The railway has long inspired filmmakers and helped to shape our cultural landscape. Its bicentenary this year provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this hugely successful, rail-related Bollywood blockbuster, and its new musical opening in the UK this summer." The musical will be premiering at Manchester Opera House on May 29.
