Shah Rukh Khan, the legendary Bollywood actor behind India’s most iconic love story, surprised the cast and crew of “Come Fall in Love — The DDLJ Musical” during rehearsals in London ahead of its U.K. premiere later this month.
The musical is a reimagining of Khan’s 1995 romantic classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), the longest-running film in Indian cinema history. Set to open at Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21, the production celebrates the story’s 30th anniversary with an all-new international stage experience.
Khan’s unannounced visit left the cast starstruck. Lead actress Jena Pandya, who plays the musical’s Simran, called the moment “an honor”, adding: “He was so generous with his time and support. Showing him the iconic scenes he originally performed was unforgettable.”
Ashley Day, who plays Rog—the musical’s Raj-inspired character—said, “The words we shared privately are for one Raj to another Rog. But I will say, he was very happy.”
Directed by Aditya Chopra, the original filmmaker behind DDLJ, the musical blends Indian and Western storytelling. It features 18 original English-language songs by Indian music icons Vishal & Sheykhar. According to the duo, Khan “loved the songs, the voices and the energy” of the show.
The production had its world premiere in San Diego in 2022 and features a creative team of Broadway veterans, including book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde), choreography by Tony winner Rob Ashford, and Indian dance sequences by Shruti Merchant.
Khan, who began his career in theater before becoming a global cinema icon, called the visit a “full-circle moment” as his beloved character Raj is reborn on stage for new audiences around the world.
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