Celebrating 30 Years of DDLJ, SRK Visits UK Stage Adaptation of the Bollywood Classic
Bollywood’s beloved superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, made a heartfelt surprise visit to the rehearsal room of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical in London, ahead of its UK premiere. The musical is a contemporary stage adaptation of the legendary 1995 romantic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), directed by Aditya Chopra, and marks a nostalgic milestone as the film celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Shah Rukh Khan Revisits Raj: A Legacy Reimagined on Stage
DDLJ has been the crown jewel of Hindi romantic cinema, holding the title of the longest-running film in Indian history. As the original “Raj”, Shah Rukh Khan’s visit to the rehearsals was more than just a surprise — it was a symbolic passing of the torch. The London cast was visibly moved by his presence, with Jena Pandya (Simran) and Ashley Day (Rog) expressing how unforgettable and emotional the moment was.
“He greeted us all with such love and genuine excitement about what we’ve been building,” Ashley Day said. “It was an unbelievable afternoon. I’ll never forget it.”
This gesture by Khan reaffirms the timeless legacy of DDLJ and the deep connection it continues to forge with new generations across cultures and continents.
Come Fall in Love – A Cross-Cultural Musical Journey Set for UK Premiere
Set across the backdrop of the UK and India, the musical aims to bridge East and West through music, dance, and storytelling. Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical will premiere at the Manchester Opera House from 29 May to 21 June 2025, with a press night scheduled for 4 June 2025.
Directed by Aditya Chopra, who also helmed the original film, this musical features 18 brand-new English songs composed by the energetic duo Vishal & Sheykhar, blending Bollywood flair with Broadway charisma.
“Having Shah Rukh visit our workshop was an amazingly positive experience for all of us,” said Vishal Dadlani. “He loved the songs, the voices, and the energy of the performances.”
A Star-Studded Cast and Award-Winning Creative Team
The production features a diverse and dynamic ensemble including:
- Jena Pandya (Bhangra Nation, Mamma Mia) as Simran
- Ashley Day (An American in Paris) as Rog
- Irvine Iqbal, Kara Lane, Millie O’Connell, and many more seasoned performers
With a creative team boasting accolades like Tony, Emmy, and Olivier Awards, the musical’s credentials are world-class:
- Book and Lyrics: Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls)
- Music: Vishal & Sheykhar
- Choreography: Rob Ashford and Shruti Merchant
- Scenic Design: Derek McLane
The Heart of Theatre: A Personal Journey for Shah Rukh Khan
Beyond the glitz and nostalgia, SRK’s visit carried a deeper, personal resonance. Known for starting his acting journey in theatre before conquering Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his love for live performance and the joy of seeing his iconic role being reinterpreted for a global audience.
“Sheer presence aside,” said composer Sheykhar Ravjiani, “meeting the original Raj was a delight for the entire cast and crew.”
As Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical prepares to sweep audiences off their feet in Manchester, Shah Rukh Khan’s visit has added emotional gravity and star power to the production.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Culture, Legacy, and Love
Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is not just a tribute to a film but a celebration of cultural fusion, emotional storytelling, and everlasting romance. With Shah Rukh Khan’s surprise visit, fans are even more excited to witness the magic of DDLJ unfold on stage in a brand-new avatar.
This musical promises to rekindle the emotions that made Raj and Simran household names and now invites a new generation to “come fall in love” all over again — this time under the spotlight of West End-style theatrical magic.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of India’s most iconic love story. Book your tickets now and share the magic with your loved ones.
