Mumbai: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, currently on a two-day visit to India, visited Yash Raj Films Studios in Mumbai on Wednesday, where he met Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji and watched a film alongside her and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani.

Yash Raj Films (YRF) announced plans to shoot three major productions in the UK, starting in early 2026. The agreement was formalised during Starmer’s visit to the iconic studio, coinciding with YRF Studios’ 20th anniversary.

“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 Prime Minister Starmer, as per a statement issued by YRF.

[“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.”

The UK Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-profile film industry delegation, including representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.

YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani spoke of the deep-rooted ties between the UK and Bollywood:

“The UK holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country.”

“It is truly special to reignite YRF and the UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous with UK–India relations,” he added.

Widhani also noted that the company is currently working on the English stage adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL), being produced in the UK.

“We are thrilled to join hands with the UK again and return to filming in the country that has always been extremely kind to us. The UK’s infrastructure, technology and talent is unmatched and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed the enthusiasm for greater collaboration between the two film industries:

“The UK’s and India’s film industries are truly world class, entertaining billions around the world. Given the strength of our sectors and the deep cultural ties between our two countries, partnerships between Bollywood and British studios make complete sense.”

“By making these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain, we will be driving more growth in our world-class creative industries, as we committed to in our Creative Industries Sector Plan.”

The visit of the UK PM comes after Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July, where the trade deal was signed and nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins were confirmed, the statement noted.

Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.