United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji at Yash Raj Films Studios in Mumbai on Wednesday during his two-day visit to India.
During his visit to the Studio, Prime Minister Keir Starmer also watched a film along with Rani Mukerji and Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani.
He was also seen taking a tour of the studio premises along with Rani and interacting with her about several aspects of filmmaking and collaboration.
As part of the visit, Yash Raj Films announced that it has signed an agreement to shoot three major productions in the UK starting in early 2026. Prime Minister Starmer announced during his visit, emphasising the importance of cultural and economic collaboration between the two countries.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and actor Rani Mukerji watch a screening during the PM's visit to Yash Raj Films in Mumbai.(Pics source: Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/4FiQMcAY5M
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
“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,” said PM Starmer, as quoted in YRF’s official statement.
“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," he added.
YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “The UK holds a very special place in our hearts, and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), were shot in this beautiful and hospitable country. We were honoured to host Prime Minister Keir Starmer at YRF to finalise this agreement and discuss how India and the UK can work together to elevate global content through such landmark collaborations.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied by a delegation featuring some of Britain’s most prominent film industry figures, including representatives from the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios. The visit also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Yash Raj Studios’ operations in India.
Also read: Rani Mukerji dedicates National Award to her late father, writes: "he always dreamt of this moment'
UK PM's trip follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK in July, during which both nations signed a major trade deal and confirmed nearly £6 billion in new investments and export opportunities, according to the official statement.
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