Shah Rukh Khan, the global cinematic icon and heartthrob of Aditya Chopra’s historic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), made a surprise visit to the London rehearsal room of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. This new stage adaptation of the beloved 1995 Hindi romantic film, in which Khan starred as Raj and Kajol as Simran, is set to make its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House from 29 May to 21 June 2025.
Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is set in the UK and India and is being directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-winning Hindi-language film. DDLJ is the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995. It is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Jena Pandya (playing Simran) said, “Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour. He was so generous with his time and support for the show. Being able to show him some of the iconic scenes that he and Kajol originally established was an incredible feeling and will be a long-lasting memory for me. I can’t wait to head to Manchester next week and put this story on stage!”
Ashley Day (playing Rog) added, “When he arrived in our rehearsal room and met the full company, it was a moment that quietly landed on all of us—special in a way that didn’t need words. Watching everyone take him in, I could feel how meaningful it was. He greeted us all with such love and genuine excitement about what we’ve been building. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to see a project—beloved by millions—being reimagined as a musical 30 years later. And yet, he kept asking to see more! The words we shared privately are for one Raj to another Rog—but I will say, he was very happy. It was an unbelievable afternoon. I’ll never forget it.”
Iconic music duo and composers Vishal & Sheykhar of the new English musical also commented on meeting Shah Rukh Khan and shared their excitement.
Vishal Dadlani said, “Having Shah Rukh visit our workshop was an amazingly positive experience for all of us. Raj met Rog, so to speak! What a wonderful moment in time. Of course, crucially for us, he loved the songs, the voices, and the energy of the performances! He met and engaged with every single person after watching the rehearsals and even relived his musical-theatre experiences from his early days. It’s safe to say our cast and ensemble will always treasure their time with him. We’re all hoping he makes it to Manchester to watch the show truly take wing at the magnificent Palace Opera House.”
Sheykhar Ravjiani added, “Mr Shah Rukh Khan’s visit to the sets of Come Fall in Love was a surprise that I think the entire cast and crew will cherish forever! His aura and sheer presence aside, meeting the original ‘Raj’ was an absolute delight for all of them. Theatre holds a very special place for Mr Shah Rukh Khan as his career began there, and every member of the cast and crew could feel his pure love for theatre and the craft. The experience of meeting and interacting with him is a moment that will be etched in their hearts forever.”
Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical makes its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House on Thursday, 29 May 2025, and runs until Saturday, 21 June 2025. It will have a press night on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
Cultures will collide in the stage musical adaptation of the beloved romantic-comedy film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, set to the exuberant beat of 18 all-new English songs created for the production.
The musical will star Jena Pandya (Bhangra Nation, Mamma Mia) as Simran and Ashley Day (An American in Paris, Dynasty) as Rog, along with Irvine Iqbal (The Father and the Assassin) as Baldev, Kara Lane (The Addams Family) as Minky, Harveen Mann-Neary (Bend It Like Beckham) as Lajjo, Amonik Melaco (Austenland) as Ben, Millie O’Connell (SIX) as Cookie, Ankur Sabharwal (Snakes and Ladders) as Ajit, Kinshuk Sen (Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical) as Kuljit, Russell Wilcox (Exit The King) as Rog Sr.
Completing the cast are ensemble members:
Erica-Jayne Alden (A Christmas Carol: The Musical), Tash Bacarese-Hamilton (Frankie Goes to Bollywood), Scarlett Behl (Cinderella), Sophie Camble (Singin’ in the Rain), Gabrielle Cocca (Frozen: The Musical), Rohan Dhupar (Mamma Mia!), Joe Django (All England Dance Gala), Alexander Emery (Love Never Dies), Kuldeep Goswami (Bhangra Nation), Ella Grant (Once Upon a Time Tour), Yasmin Harrison (Burlesque), Mohit Mathur (Beyond Bollywood), Tom Mussell (Burlesque), Purvi Parmar (Little Shop of Horrors), Saaj Raja (Best of Enemies), Manu Sarswat (Cake: The Musical), Garrett Tennant (Mamma Mia!), Sonya Venugopal (Life of Pi), and swings Emily Goodenough (Sunny Afternoon), Marina Lawrence-Mahrra (The Secret Silk), Jordan Maisuria-Wake (Peter Pan).
The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes:
- Book and Lyrics: Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde)
- Music: Vishal Dadlani & Sheykhar Ravjiani
- Choreography: Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier, and Emmy winner)
- Indian Co-Choreography: Shruti Merchant (Taj Express)
- Scenic Design: Derek McLane (MJ the Musical, Moulin Rouge!)
- Lighting Design: Japhy Weideman
- Sound Design: Tony Gayle
- Video Design: Akhila Krishnan
- Musical Supervision/Arrangements: Ted Arthur
- Musical Direction: Benjamin Holder
Casting: David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting
