UK PM Keir Starmer visits Yash Raj Films in Mumbai, announcing three Bollywood films to be shot in the UK from 2026, creating 3,000 jobs and boosting cultural ties.
Mumbai | October 9, 2025 | The Interview Times — In a major cultural diplomacy move, UK PM Keir Starmer on Wednesday visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai — one of India’s most iconic film production hubs — to strengthen cinematic collaboration between the UK and India.
UK PM Keir Starmer’s visit, held amid tight security, underscores his government’s commitment to boosting creative and cultural partnerships between the two nations. He was accompanied by a high-level British film delegation including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.
At a Glance
- UK PM Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai to boost UK-India film collaborations.
- Announced that three major Bollywood films will be shot in the United Kingdom from 2026, creating over 3,000 jobs.
- Visit marks YRF’s return to filming in the UK after eight years, backed by British Film Institute, Pinewood Studios, and others.
- The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), which was filmed in the UK.
- YRF also revealed an English musical adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL), to premiere in the UK.
- Starmer said the partnership shows how the UK-India trade deal is unlocking new creative and cultural opportunities.
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Three Bollywood Films to Be Made in UK from 2026
During his visit, UK PM Keir Starmer announced that three Bollywood films will be shot across the United Kingdom starting in 2026, marking a renewed collaboration after nearly eight years.
According to Yash Raj Films, the move will create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy.
“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,” said UK PM Keir Starmer.
“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 added.
YRF and UK: Rekindling a Creative Legacy
The partnership marks Yash Raj Films’ return to the UK after an eight-year gap, signalling renewed cinematic and cultural engagement.
“We were honoured to host the UK PM Keir Starmer at YRF today to ink this pact,” said Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films.
“We also had the pleasure to discuss how India and the UK can come together to push the global content landscape through landmark collaborations like this.”
The announcement comes as YRF celebrates the 30th anniversary of its legendary film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), which was shot extensively across the UK and went on to become a global classic.
DDLJ Returns as an English Musical
Commemorating the milestone, Widhani revealed that Yash Raj Films is producing a stage adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL) — an English musical set to premiere in the United Kingdom.
“We are thrilled to join hands with the UK again and return to filming in a country that has always been extremely kind to us,” Widhani said.
“The UK’s infrastructure, technology, and talent are unmatched, and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a nation that continues to inspire creative excellence.”
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Strengthening UK-India Cultural Ties
India remains the largest producer of films globally, and this partnership between YRF and the UK is expected to further boost soft power diplomacy and mutual creative investments.
The collaboration also reflects the positive impact of the ongoing UK-India trade negotiations, which aim to expand cooperation beyond commerce into culture and entertainment.
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