UK PM Keir Starmer Announces Film Collaboration with YRF Studios

Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) – United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his way to Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios in Andheri this Wednesday, announcing a landmark collaboration where major Indian production houses, including YRF, will shoot films across various locations in the UK.

During his two-day stay in India, Starmer brought along a delegation from the British film industry, comprising representatives from the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.

The Prime Minister arrived from London earlier that day and proceeded to YRF Studios under tight security.

In his meeting with YRF CEO Akshaye Widhwani, Rani Mukerji, and prominent producers like Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, and Apoorva Mehta of Dharma Productions, Starmer highlighted the significance of Bollywood returning to Britain.

“Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking. This is precisely the kind of partnership our trade deal with India aims to unlock, facilitating growth and strengthening cultural ties,” the UK PM stated.

The discussions between Starmer and the Indian producers lasted approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed his honor at hosting the UK Prime Minister, stating, “The UK holds a special place in our hearts, with iconic films like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ shot there. We were honored to discuss a production collaboration and promote global content with the UK.”

Yash Raj Films anticipates commencing major productions in the UK by early 2026. “It’s fitting to reignite YRF’s ties with the UK on the 30th anniversary of DDLJ. Our stage adaptation of DDLJ, ‘Come Fall in Love’ (CFIL), is also underway in the UK. We’re excited to return to a country where the infrastructure, technology, and talent are unequalled,” Widhani noted.

This initiative emerges as YRF Studios prepares to commemorate its 20th anniversary of operations in India on October 12.

Founded by the late filmmaker Yash Chopra in 1970, YRF has become synonymous with Indian cinema, known for movies like “Kabhi Kabhie,” “Chandni,” “Darr,” “Dhoom,” “Veer Zaara,” “Ek Tha Tiger,” “War,” and “Pathaan.” YRF Studios came into being in Andheri in 2005.

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