Keir Starmer announces UK Production of 3 Bollywood Films

The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, visited India on October 8, 2025.

During this trip, he visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios – the office of the leading film production banner in Bollywood. 

Starmer was welcomed by the renowned Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, along with the YRF CEO, Akshaye Widhani.

As well as being a leading actress of the Hindi film industry, Rani is also married to the boss of YRF, Aditya Chopra.

In a collaboration with YRF, Starmer announced that the studio would bring three major film productions to the UK, beginning in 2026.

He stated: “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.

“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.”

Along with Starmer, representatives of key British entertainment companies, including BFI, Pinewood Studios, the British Film Commission, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios, were also involved in the tour at YRF.

Starmer also sat behind an audio mixing desk where he listened to a song from one of Bollywood’s enduring classics, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995).

Starring renowned actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the film has amassed massive popularity and a cult following over three decades.

The film is the longest-running movie in Bollywood history and continues to be shown at the Maratha Mandir Theatre in Mumbai.

Akshaye Widhani said: “It is truly special to reignite YRF and the UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous to UK-India’s relationship.

“Our company is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL) in the UK, too.

“So, 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.

“We are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”

This announcement came months after the UK and India sealed a free-trade deal in July 2025.

The deal was made to boost the UK economy by £4.8 billion a year and create over 2,200 new jobs.

Starmer described it as “the biggest and most economically significant” trade deal Britain has secured since Brexit.

Meanwhile, while the announcement at YRF Studios will be an exciting development for film fans, the UK is not a stranger to having locations for Indian cinema.

Multiple Bollywood films, including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), have been shot in the UK.