UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, announcing major Bollywood productions in the UK (Photo: X | ANI)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recently concluded trip to Mumbai not only created waves in political and diplomatic circles but also ignited excitement amongst the film fraternity worldwide with the choice of cinema as the medium to showcase Starmer's interaction with the entertainment behemoth Yash Raj Films (YRF) represents an unusual mode of strengthening Indo-UK relations.
On his Yash Raj Studios tour, Starmer made a pivotal announcement three major YRF productions will be shot in the UK beginning in 2026. This will not only enhance the creative economy in the UK, create jobs and make Britain a more attractive filmmaking destination, as Starmer put it "Bollywood is back in Britain," but it also fits neatly into the context of the UK-India trade deal and offers a good example of international collaboration through the creative industries.
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The visit with the 30th anniversary of the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) which is so closely identified with YRF and UK. The Akshaye Widhani, YRF CEO reminisced about the strong ties that bind the two nations, stating that British landscapes and infrastructure have always been an asset to Indian cinema.
The YRF's forthcoming stage musical adaptation of DDLJ Come Fall in Love now being produced in the UK, further underscores this cross-cultural exchange.
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PM Starmer on this visit by a high-powered UK delegation from the film and creative industries which included representatives from the British Film Institute, Pinewood Studios and Civic Studios with baoth sides discussed possibilities for enhancing co-productions, investing in technology and facilitating talent exchange with a focus on creating an ecosystem where creative projects can work seamlessly across borders they aim to achieve economic and cultural benefits.
This visit signifies not just a diplomatic engagement but the beginning of a vibrant creative partnership with shared cinematic ambitions, the UK and India now look towards a future of bold stories, shared cultural narratives and mutual benefit with both nations armed with rich traditions and a fresh vision, the Indo-UK cinema link might be looking at nothing less than a redefinition of world cinema in years to come.
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