Jena Pandya and Ashley Day cast as leads in Aditya Chopra’s Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ musical

Musical DDLJ show details

Top theatre actors Jena Pandya and Ashley Day are set to play the iconic lovers Simran and Rog (Roger) in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, a new musical comedy based on one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). The film, which has had the longest cinema run in Indian history, has been playing in Mumbai since its release in 1995.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the musical will have its UK premiere at Manchester Opera House on Thursday, 29 May 2025, running until Saturday, 21 June 2025.

Jena Pandya (known for Bhangra Nation and Mamma Mia) expressed her excitement: “I’m so thrilled to be playing Simran in Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical. It is amazing to be part of telling a story that means so much to so many people. The original film has become a part of the cultural fabric of India, and to get to bring this story to life on stage in Manchester is such a joy.”

Ashley Day, who has appeared in An American in Paris and Dynasty, also shared his thoughts: “Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical is a true romantic comedy. The script is incredibly funny and full of heart and what I love most is how it shows two cultures, each staying true to their roots while embracing something bigger than themselves. The music has this unbelievable mix of musical theatre and Punjabi pop – something I’ve never seen done on stage. The show is about Family, Love, empathy, and fighting for what truly matters. TRUE HONEST LOVE! Especially in today’s world, that message feels more relevant than ever. It’s a timeless story, and I’m thrilled to be bringing Rog to life on stage.”

Jena Pandya recently starred as the lead in the new musical Bhangra Nation at Birmingham Rep, which received incredible reviews. She has also performed as Sophie in Mamma Mia and worked multiple times with director Andy Fickman, including playing Arlene in 13 Going on 30.

Ashley Day is a seasoned actor, singer, and dancer with leading roles in both the UK and the USA. On screen, he is known for his recurring role as Colin McNaughton in the hit series Dynasty (Netflix). His extensive theatre career includes starring roles in White Christmas, The Drowsy Chaperone, Funny Girl, 42nd Street, An American in Paris, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kiss Me, Kate, High School Musical, and Oklahoma, for which he received a nomination for Best Performer in a Musical at the UK Theatre Awards.

The show is a stage adaptation of the beloved romantic-comedy Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and it will feature 18 all-new English songs specially composed for the production. The creative team behind Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (known for Mean Girls and Legally Blonde), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (Vishal & Shekhar, popular Indian music composers), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier, and Emmy Award winner), Co-Choreography of Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner), Casting by David Grindrod CDG, Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Akhila Krishnan, Musical Supervisor and Arranger Ted Arthur, and Musical Direction by Ben Holder.