Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ Rehearsals in London

Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ Rehearsals in London

Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to ‘Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical’ Rehearsals in London Ahead of UK Premiere.

RMN News Entertainment Desk
May 15, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan, a Bollywood actor of the original Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) film, recently made a surprise visit to the rehearsal room in London for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. This new stage adaptation of the 1995 Hindi romantic film is directed by Aditya Chopra, who also directed the original movie. The visit took place ahead of the musical’s highly anticipated UK premiere.

The Come Fall in Love musical, which is set in both the UK and India, is preparing for its UK premiere at the Manchester Opera House. Performances are scheduled from Thursday 29 May 2025 to Saturday 21 June 2025, with a press night on Wednesday 4 June 2025.

The original DDLJ film, in which Khan starred as Raj alongside Kajol as Simran, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and holds the record as the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release.

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Meeting the original ‘Raj’ was a significant moment for the cast and creative team. Jena Pandya, who plays Simran in the musical, described meeting Shah Rukh Khan in the rehearsal room as “such an honour”. She noted his generosity and support, calling it an “incredible feeling” to show him scenes originally established by him and Kajol. Jena Pandya expressed excitement about heading to Manchester to stage the story.

Ashley Day, playing Rog in the musical, also reflected on the special moment Shah Rukh Khan’s arrival created for the entire company. He felt how meaningful the visit was to everyone, observing that SRK greeted them with “such love and genuine excitement” about the production. Day mentioned sharing private words “for one Raj to another Rog” and confirmed that Khan was “very happy”. He called it an “unbelievable afternoon” he would never forget.

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Composers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, who created the 18 all-new English songs for the production, also shared their experience. Vishal Dadlani called it an “amazingly positive experience” where “Raj met Rog”. Crucially for the composers, he noted that Khan “loved the songs, the voices and the energy of the performances!”.

Sheykhar Ravjiani added that the visit was a “surprise” that the cast and crew will “cherish forever”. He highlighted Khan’s aura and presence, noting that theatre holds a “very special place” for him as his career began there. Meeting the original ‘Raj’ was an “absolute delight”.

[ Video: सलमान खान की बॉलीवुड फिल्म सिकंदर फ्लॉप रही। पेड रिव्यू और झूठे बॉक्स ऑफिस आंकड़ों पर भरोसा न करें ]

Shah Rukh Khan engaged with every cast and crew member after watching the rehearsals and even “re-lived his musical-theatre experiences from his early days”. The cast and ensemble are said to “always treasure their time with him”. Vishal Dadlani expressed hopes that Khan will be able to attend the show in Manchester.

The musical is an adaptation where cultures will collide, set to the exuberant beat of the new songs. Alongside Jena Pandya as Simran and Ashley Day as Rog, the cast includes Irvine Iqbal as Baldev, Kara Lane as Minky, Harveen Mann-Neary as Lajjo, Amonik Melaco as Ben, Millie O’Connell as Cookie, Ankur Sabharwal as Ajit, Kinshuk Sen as Kuljit, and Russell Wilcox as Rog Sr. The ensemble and swings complete the cast.

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The award-winning creative team features Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin, Music by Vishal & Sheykhar, Choreography by Rob Ashford, Co-Choreography (Indian Dances) by Shruti Merchant, Scenic Design by Derek McLane, Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Akhila Krishnan, Musical Supervision and Arrangements by Ted Arthur, and Musical Direction by Benjamin Holder. Casting is by David Grindrod CDG.

The visit of the original star adds a significant layer of excitement as the Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical prepares to debut for UK audiences.