SRK makes surprise Visit to ‘DDLJ’ Musical Rehearsals ahead of U.K. Premiere
SRK makes surprise Visit to ‘DDLJ’ Musical Rehearsals ahead of U.K. Premiere
Shah Rukh Khan, whose 1995 romantic blockbuster “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) redefined Indian cinema, made an unannounced appearance at the London rehearsals for “Come Fall in Love — The DDLJ Musical.”
Notably, the stage adaptation of the milestone Hindi film which remains the longest-running title in Indian cinema history (playing continuously in Mumbai since 1995), will have its U.K. premiere at Manchester Opera House on.May 29 through June 21.
The musical is the Aditya Chopra directorial anfl reimagines the beloved romance that first paired Khan with actress Kajol as the characters Raj and Simran. In the stage version, set across the U.K. and India, Jena Pandya stars as Simran opposite Ashley Day as Rog (the Raj-inspired character).
Adding that meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honor,” Pandya..He was so generous with his time and support for the show. Being able to show him some of the iconic scenes that himself and Kajol originally established was an incredible feeling.
Day, who portrays the role inspired by Khan’s original character, described the moment as “special in a way that didn’t need words,” adding, “The words we shared privately are for one Raj to another Rog – but he will say, he was very happy.
The production features 18 all-new English songs created by acclaimed Indian music duo Vishal and Sheykhar. Vishal Dadlani noted that Khan “loved the songs, the voices and the energy of the performances,” while his partner Sheykhar Ravjiani said that “meeting the original ‘Raj’ was an absolute delight” for the entire company.
The musical, which marks ‘DDLJ’s 30th anniversary year, had its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego in 2022. Its creative team includes book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (“Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde”), choreography by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford, with Indian dance sequences by Shruti Merchant.
Supporting cast includes Irvine Iqbal as Baldev, Kara Lane as Minky, and Harveen Mann-Neary as Lajjo, with scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane.
For Khan, whose career began in theater before his rose to emerge as one of world cinema’s biggest stars, the visit represented a full-circle moment as the film that cemented his “King of Bollywood” status takes on new life for international audiences three decades after its original release.
News Edit KV Raman
