Managed Survival
The recent vote in the British House of Commons was never just about whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer would face an inquiry.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a memorable stop at Mumbai’s iconic Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios on Wednesday. During his two-day visit to India, Starmer met with Bollywood superstar Rani Mukerji and shared the big screen with her, watching a movie alongside YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani.
The visit marked a significant announcement for both the Indian and British film industries. Yash Raj Films revealed that three major film productions are ready to shoot in the UK starting early 2026.
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Speaking at the studios, PM Starmer highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He said that Bollywood’s return to Britain would bring jobs, investment, and global attention to the country.
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| Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and actor Rani Mukerji watch a screening during the PM’s visit to Yash Raj Films in Mumbai.#TheStatesman pic.x.com/n0EWFvM8qK
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) October 8, 2025
He noted that partnerships like this are exactly what the recent India-UK trade deal aims to foster, in order to strengthen cultural ties.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, reflected on the deep connection between Bollywood and the UK. He recalled that some of the company’s most memorable films, including the legendary ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ), were shot in Britain.
“It was our honour to host Prime Minister Keir Starmer and to sign this pact,” Widhani said. “It’s a special moment to reignite our collaboration, especially as we celebrate 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has become a symbol of UK-India friendship.”
Widhani also shared updates on YRF’s current projects in the UK, including a stage adaptation of DDLJ titled ‘Come Fall in Love’. He praised the UK’s infrastructure, talent, and technology.
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“We are thrilled to return to Britain for filming, continuing a relationship that has always been supportive and inspiring for us creatively,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s visit was accompanied by some of the UK’s biggest names in the film sector, including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios. The timing was particularly special, as it coincided with Yash Raj Studios’ 20th anniversary of operations in India.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the significance of this partnership. “The UK and India are home to world-class film industries that entertain billions globally. Collaborations between Bollywood and British studios are a natural match. By producing these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain, we are creating growth in our creative industries, exactly as outlined in our Creative Industries Sector Plan,” she said.
This visit by Starmer comes on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UK in July, where the two nations signed a landmark trade deal, paving the way for nearly £6 billion in new investments and exports.
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